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According to the ILO Forced Labor Convention, 1930 (No. 29), forced or compulsory labor is “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the threat of a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily.” We refer to “state-imposed forced labor” when forced labor forms part of a state policy, meaning it is imposed and enforced by the state and is widespread or systemic.

The ILO defines decent work as “productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity and human dignity.” A job is considered decent when workers are paid a fair wage, treated equally, can freely associate, bargain collectively, and work under safe working conditions with a secure form of employment and adequate social protection.

Exercising freedom of association is vital to eliminating forced labor and exploitation, and achieving decent work and dignity. When workers are able to organize, take collective action, form or join trade unions of their choosing, and collectively bargain with their direct employers as well as actors up the supply chain, they can secure and enforce increased wages, safer working conditions, and improved workplace standards. The ILO’s 1944 Philadelphia Declaration, outlining its general principles, described freedom of association as “essential to sustained progress [toward social justice].” Indeed, freedom of association and collective bargaining are enabling rights that not only empower workers, but also support broader movements for democracy and social justice.