The European Union, speaking on behalf of its member states and aligned countries at the International Labour Conference on 9 June 2026, condemned Russia's escalating restrictions on trade union freedoms and called for immediate compliance with the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87). In a statement delivered to the Committee on the Application of Standards, the EU expressed serious concern over the designation of international trade unions as 'undesirable', the repression of domestic unions, and the denial of strike rights to key worker groups.
The statement, delivered by the EU delegation in Geneva, highlighted several specific violations. The EU noted with deep concern that the International Transport Workers' Federation and IndustriALL Global Union had been declared 'undesirable' by Russia's Prosecutor General, effectively prohibiting their activities and restricting affiliates. It also condemned the April 9 searches and seizures targeting the Confederation of Labour of Russia and other unions, which had provided observations to the ILO Committee of Experts. The EU urged Russia to abolish its legislation on foreign agents and undesirable organisations, which it said undermines freedom of association.
On the right to strike, the EU regretted the lack of progress in guaranteeing this right for state and municipal civil servants not exercising state authority, and for railway workers. It recalled the Committee's view that railway transport is not an essential service where strikes can be prohibited, and called for amendments to the Law on Railway Transport. The EU also raised concerns about prisoners working under employment contracts being prevented from forming or joining unions, asking Russia to review its Law on Public Associations.
The EU called on Russia to take concrete and immediate measures to bring its laws and practices into full conformity with Convention 87, in genuine consultation with social partners, and to cooperate fully with ILO supervisory bodies. The statement was aligned with North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The statement increases diplomatic pressure on Russia, potentially affecting its international standing and trade relations. Russian trade unions and workers face continued repression, with limited immediate relief. EU member states and aligned countries reinforce their commitment to labour rights, though the statement carries no enforcement mechanism. The ILO supervisory system gains political backing, but its effectiveness remains constrained by Russia's non-cooperation.