| National organization(s) | LFTU |
|---|---|
| Primary legislation | Trade Union Act (2007) |
| Total union membership | 155,000(2011)[1] |
| International Labour Organization | |
| Laos is a member of the ILO | |
| Convention ratification | |
| Freedom of Association | Not ratified |
| Right to Organise | Not ratified |
Trade unions in Laos have been active in the country since at least the mid-20th Century.
During theRoyal Lao Government three statutes were passed that governed industrial relations (1955, 1967 and 1971). The largest union during this period was the Lao Civil Servants Union, founded in 1959. A number of unions, including the Civil Servants Union, started the Lao Labour Federation around the same time.[2] Laos joined theInternational Labour Organization in 1964.[3]
With the start of theLaotian Civil War, the Lao Workers Union was established in areas controlled by thePathet Lao.[2] Trade unionists took active part in the demonstrations that ushered in theLao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.[2] In 1983, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions held its first congress.[2]
The current law forbids independent trade unions requiring all unions to belong to the solenational centre, theLFTU. The Labour Law of 2006 forbids work stoppages and strikes. Employees in state enterprises and government officers constitute the largest membership of trade unions in Laos.[4]
Laos has not ratified the two core Conventions covering trade union rights of association and collective bargaining.[5]
