Union Strong! These Are the 10 Best & Worst Countries for Workers
Union Strong! These Are the 10 Best & Worst Countries for Workers
As workers continue to strike across the United States for better pay and working conditions, some Americans are considering finding better jobs abroad.Â
The International Trade Union Confederation has released its 2023 Global Rights Index based on these rights:
- The right to strike
- The right to establish & join a union
- The right to trade union activities
- The right to collective bargaining
- The right to justice
- The right to civil liberties
- The right to free speech & assembly
They also track instances of violent attacks or murders or workers.
The following were the 10 worst countries for workers worldwide. The worst region in general was the Middle East and North Africa.
BangladeshÂ
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- Regressive laws
- Obstacles to union formation
- Police violence
The Global Rights Index says that workers can’t start a union or express their rights, and efforts to do so are met with brutality. Many workers in the garment industry, including thousands of women, face violence and unpaid wages.
BelarusÂ
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- Repressive criminal laws
- Targeted arrests and imprisonment of trade union leaders
- Forced dissolution of unions
The illegitimately elected president and his government subject union leaders and protestors to long prison terms on bogus charges.
Ecuador
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- Regressive laws
- Police violence against strikers
Last year the government shut down democratic protests for collective rights, which were organized by Indigenous peoples’ organizations and trade unions representing farmers, medical associations, retirees, public unions, educators, students, and carriers. Police arrested, injured, and killed protestors.
EgyptÂ
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- Repressive laws against union formation
- Union busting and dismissals
All independent trade unions were dissolved in 2018, and many are fighting to re-form. Other workers faced retaliation for taking part in strike actions.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
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- Murder
- Police violence during strikes
In one of the deadliest country for workers, more than 80 people are reported to have died at the hands of police during protests for workers’ rights. Additionally, two pro-worker members of parliament were arrested and are being held without trial, union gatherings and protests have been banned, and a prominent activist was murdered.
Guatemala
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- Violence against trade unionists
- Climate of fear and impunity
In Guatemala, a notable union activist was murdered, and a South Korean company used physical violence, psychological violence, intimidation, and threats against workers. The workers were dismissed and blacklisted to prevent unionization.
MyanmarÂ
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- Arbitrary arrests
- Anti-union dismissals
- Severe violation of freedoms of speech and assembly
A military coup happened here in 2021, and since then, the junta has arrested more than 400 union members and killed more than 100.
PhilippinesÂ
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- Violence against trade unionists
- Arrests of trade unionists
- Union busting
Workers and activists here face kidnapping and violence for advocating for workers’ rights. Some workers have not been found. Others have been given long or arbitrary prison sentences.
Tunisia
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- Arrest of trade union leaders
- Violations of collective bargaining rights
- Severe violations of civil liberties and denial of the right to international trade union solidarity
The country’s new dictator dissolved Parliament in 2021, forced out union leaders and sympathizers, and instituted anti-union policies, including prohibiting negotiating with unions without his government’s authorization.
Turkey
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- Repression of strikes
- Arrests of trade unionists
- Systematic union busting
Police used pepper spray on striking teachers to keep them from seeking better wages. When other trade unions protested corruption that hindered earthquake rescue attempts, more than 100 people were detained.
How Does the U.S. Rank?
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The group ranks countries and regions on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the best and 5 being the worst. The U.S. received a 4.
What Are the Best Countries for Workers?
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The following were the highest-ranking countries, each with a score of 1:
- AustriaÂ
- DenmarkÂ
- FinlandÂ
- GermanyÂ
- IcelandÂ
- IrelandÂ
- ItalyÂ
- NorwayÂ
- SwedenÂ
Want to Move to Europe? Here Are 16 In-Demand Jobs and How to Apply.
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Can you guess the most in-demand jobs in Europe? At least 15 countries reported shortages in these 16 fields, and there are more than four and a half million jobs listed on this portal.
➤ Want to Move to Europe? Here Are 16 In-Demand Jobs and How to Apply.
This European Country Goes Mega Viral for Hiring Americans
In 2022, 76,221 Americans moved to the European Union. The largest group, 12,220, moved to France. Still, many Americans who want to move to Europe are concerned about being able to afford some of the pricier destinations and are worried about finding a job. Most countries in Europe don’t offer a digital nomad visa for Americans working remotely, so you’re only able to stay 90 days at a stretch in the E.U.
That may be why 2.3 million people on TikTok have watched this video featuring a less-popular country that’s actively recruiting people in many job roles, including engineers, accountants, servers, retail workers, chefs, and more.
➤ This European Country Goes Mega Viral for Hiring Americans
Guide to Expat Jobs, Digital Nomad Jobs, & Working Abroad
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For most of us looking to move abroad, finding our new home country is only half the battle. Luckily, the job market for expats has shifted over the last several years. Digital nomad jobs and remote work opportunities really exploded in the wake of 2020, allowing more chances than ever to work from wherever you choose to live. So how can you earn a living once you leave the US?
➤ Guide to Expat Jobs, Digital Nomad Jobs, & Working Abroad
Jen is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps Americans move abroad. She created the Expatsi Test, an assessment that recommends countries for aspiring emigrants based on lifestyle data. Jen has an MBA from Emory University with concentrations in marketing and innovation. She's written for BusinessWeek, Health, Cooking Light, and Southern Living. Prior to Expatsi, she created Freshfully and Bottle & Bone—two businesses in the local food space—and spoke at TEDx on being brave. She's moving to Mexico in 2024, along with her husband and co-founder Brett, pitbull mix Squiggy, and three rotten cats. How can she help you move abroad?
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Jen is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps Americans move abroad. She created the Expatsi Test, an assessment that recommends countries for aspiring emigrants based on lifestyle data. Jen has an MBA from Emory University with concentrations in marketing and innovation. She's written for BusinessWeek, Health, Cooking Light, and Southern Living. Prior to Expatsi, she created Freshfully and Bottle & Bone—two businesses in the local food space—and spoke at TEDx on being brave. She's moving to Mexico in 2024, along with her husband and co-founder Brett, pitbull mix Squiggy, and three rotten cats. How can she help you move abroad?