Trade unions

Trade unionists are at the forefront of the struggle for human rights. Many have lost their lives or risked their liberty in their attempts to claim basic human rights. These include freedom of association, the right to organise and engage in collective bargaining and freedom of speech.

Trade unionists are ordinary men and women. They have deeply held convictions, political beliefs and commitment to trade union ideals. These can make them prime targets of government repression. They have to deal with their organisations being banned, harassment, political killings and 'disappearances', arbitrary detention, torture, exile and murder.

Good news: Cuban journalist released

Pablo Pacheco, together with six other prisoners of conscience, was released on 13 July. Thank you to everyone who took action. However, Amnesty is concerned that the release might be subject to the condition that he leaves the country. Read the full story

Thirty years of solidarity

2009 marks 30 years of Amnesty's Trade Union Network. We are celebrating the anniversary throughout the year, with a series of events, publications, and commemorative resources.

• Read the 30th anniversary blog
• Read statements from trade unionists and add your voice
• Find out about Amnesty's new partnership with the Trades Union Congress