Globally, more countries deny workers access to justice, detain or use violence against labor organizers, signaling a widening trend.

The CSI index, operating since 2014 with 151 countries and 97 indicators based on ILO conventions, shows European and American scores at their lowest since the index began.

CSI Secretary General Luc Triangle describes the deterioration as a coordinated assault on democracy by elites and politicians that silences workers and benefits a small powerful minority.

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CSI) warns that workers’ rights are deteriorating worldwide in its 2026 World Rights Index, signaling a systemic crisis that even affects major democracies like the United States and France.

France records its worst score in the index ever, with a prolonged decline in workers’ rights and increasing repression of union activists and protests.

The United States and France are highlighted as examples of deteriorating rights, amid concerns over restrictions on collective bargaining, violence against workers, and suppression of union activity and demonstrations.

Panama enters the list of ten worst countries for workers’ rights, joining Belarus, Egypt, Ecuador, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Turkey, while eight countries are labeled as “exemplary” with only sporadic violations.

Eight countries are identified as “good students” with sporadic union-rights violations, all in Europe (notably Germany, Denmark, Iceland) and Uruguay.

The rise of the far right in Europe is linked to growing hostility toward unions and their members.

The crisis is framed as a democratic threat, not confined to fringe cases but at the heart of democracies.

Three structural trends emerge: top union leaders face arrests, violence, or legal action; pervasive digital surveillance targets labor activism; and governments sideline or reduce union consultation in labor-law reforms.

Argentina ranks among the worst for workers’ rights, following a rapid decline under President Javier Milei’s policies, including tougher protests’ measures and expanded police powers.