ABSTRACT
Labour rights articulated by the Holy See are by their very nature theologically based and not intended to provide either a framework for the application of the principles espoused or the means of monitoring their effectiveness. These are not within its areas of claimed expertise. The International Labour Conference at its 86th Session 1998 issued a Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. All appropriate measures should be taken to guarantee that, irrespective of trade union affiliation, trade union rights can be exercised in normal conditions with respect for basic human rights and in a climate free of violence, pressure, fear and threats of any kind. Trade union organizations should not engage in political activities in an abusive manner and go beyond their true functions by promoting essentially political interests. Neither the Freedom of Association and Protection of Rights to Organise Convention 1948 nor the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 refers to the right to strike.
