The International Trade Union Confederation has published the 2026 “Global Rights Index” report, which presents the state of protection of workers’ fundamental rights in different countries around the world. This year’s report presents a concerning picture, stating that violations of workers’ rights continue to increase, and that in many countries the situation has taken on a systemic nature.
Countries previously considered stable, including the United States and France, have also appeared among those where there is a growing trend of restrictions on workers’ rights.
Statistics on violations of workers’ rights are particularly alarming. In 72% of countries, workers have been deprived of effective access to justice, while in half of the countries there have been reported cases of workers being arrested or detained.
Incidents of violence against workers increased by 6% in 2026. Restrictions on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly increased by 5%.
At the same time, violations of civil liberties rose by 3%, and trade union leaders have more frequently been subjected to persecution, arrests, and in some cases even physical violence and killings.
The Republic of Armenia also received a rating of 3 this year, which indicates the presence of regular violations of workers’ rights. The report notes that although social dialogue institutions exist in Armenia, the opinions of trade unions are often not properly taken into account in consultations related to the labor sector.
The report also notes that actions targeting trade unions and anti-union practices have been recorded in Armenia as well, alongside several other European countries.
Particular attention is drawn to the issue of so-called “yellow unions” operating within state institutions in Armenia. According to the report, in some cases, enterprise-level unions within public bodies are led or controlled by officials and do not effectively represent or protect workers’ interests.
The report also addresses issues raised by the Republican Branch Union of Professional Organizations of the Workers of State Enterprises, of Municipally Authorities and Public Service of Armenia. In particular, during 2025 the union documented cases of interference in trade union activities and instances of employer control.
The 2026 “Global Rights Index” once again emphasizes the importance of independent trade unions, social dialogue, and collective bargaining as fundamental components of a democratic society and fair labor relations. The data presented in the report shows that the protection of workers’ rights remains in the focus of the international community and requires consistent and systematic action at both national and international levels.
