Lack of Legal Protection and Rampant Murder: 10 of the Worst Countries for Workers

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) assessed 148 countries worldwide based on their respect for workers' rights in its *Global Rights Index 2022* report.

The data reveals a significant number of countries that fail to facilitate and guarantee workers' and trade union rights.

The assessed countries received scores on a scale of 1-5. Higher scores indicate worse working conditions or greater restrictions on workers.

Conversely, lower scores suggest that the country is relatively open to workers' rights, although sporadic or unpredictable rights violations may still occur.

The ITUC's assessment indicators include civil liberties, the right to organize for workers or laborers, trade union activities, the right to collective bargaining, and the right to strike.

Regionally, the ITUC divided the countries into five major regions: First, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with an average score of 4.53 points.

Second, the Asia-Pacific region with an average score of 4.22 points. Third, Africa with an average score of 3.76 points.

Fourth and fifth are the Americas and Europe, with average scores of 3.52 points and 2.49 points respectively.

At least 10 countries are considered the worst places to work, receiving the lowest score of 5 points. Myanmar, marked with a plus (+), has a separate explanation below.

The 10 countries considered the worst for workers are:

1. Bangladesh (5 points)
- Regressive, outdated laws
- Obstacles to trade union formation
- Repression of worker strikes and protests

2. Belarus (5 points)
- Repressive criminal laws
- Mass arrests of trade union leaders
- Forced dissolution of trade unions

3. Brazil (5 points)
- Numerous anti-union discriminatory measures
- Violations of collective bargaining agreements

4. Colombia (5 points)
- Murders of workers and impunity for perpetrators
- Destruction of trade unions and dismissals

5. Egypt (5 points)
- Repressive laws
- Prosecution of striking workers
- Destruction of trade unions and dismissals

6. Eswatini (5 points)
- Severe violations of freedom of assembly
- Police brutality

7. Guatemala (5 points)
- Violence against trade union members
- Widespread fear and impunity for perpetrators
- Anti-union dismissals

8. Myanmar (5+ points)
- Brutal suppression of strikes and protests
- Arbitrary arrests
- Murders of workers

9. Philippines (5 points)
- Violence and murder
- Arrests during strikes
- State repression

10. Turkey (5 points)
- Repression of worker strikes
- Arrests of trade union members
- Systematic destruction of unions

Score Explanation:

* 5+ points: No guarantee of rights due to violations of the rule of law
* 5 points: No guarantee of rights
* 4 points: Systematic violations of rights
* 3 points: Regular violations of rights
* 2 points: Repeated violations of rights
* 1 point: Sporadic violations of rights