Freedom of Association for Trade Union Purposes in Iran and the ILO Standards: A Legal Analysis (Part 1)

Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran provide general conditions for the right to assemble by political parties, as well as societies and associations. These articles specify different types of associations such as societies, parties and assemblies. Based on the constitution, the freedom of trade and political association is accepted as a principle, although there are some conditions and restrictions attached to the activities of associations and political parties. This study reveals that theoretically, workers in Iran enjoy freedom of association for trade union purposes although in practice, the right is very limited. The laws in Iran are discussed herein against the background of the ILO standards. This study is the first part of a two parts discussion on freedom of association for trade union purposes in Iran.