Business and Human Rights Law and Policy
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Business and Human Rights Law & Policy - February

Interpreting the Right to Strike through ILO’s Advisory Opinion Initiative

Adhijoso, Putri Ayu Musthikaweni (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Feb 2026

Abstract

This paper explores the emerging recognition of the right to strike within international law and its interpretation under the International Labour Organization (ILO) framework. The research focuses on whether the right to strike, as linked to freedom of association in ILO Convention No. 87, has developed into customary international law. Using a normative juridical method as its principal approach and supported by statutory and comparative approaches, the study analyses relevant legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the ILO Constitution. It also examines the ongoing debate among ILO constituents and the possibility of seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify this issue. Through a comparative analysis of the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Indonesia, the paper finds that while most legal systems acknowledge the right to strike as part of freedom of association, its implementation differs depending on each country’s constitutional design and industrial relations culture. The findings suggest that the right to strike has indeed attained the status of customary international law through widespread state practice and opinio juris, although its practical enforcement continues to depend on domestic legal and procedural frameworks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BHRLP

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The Business and Human Rights Law & Policy Journal is a multidisciplinary journal which focuses on responsible business conduct, human rights, sustainability both in legal and policy perspectives, and encouraging the global south point of ...