| Primary legislation | Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance, 1959 (revised 2017) |
|---|---|
| International Labour Organization | |
| Saint Helena has separate territorial status but is an ILO member via the United Kingdom | |
| Convention declaration | |
| Freedom of Association | 26 May 1966 |
| Right to Organise | 17 Jun 1966 |
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|---|
Trade unions in Saint Helena emerged in the late 1950s in the flax industry and subsequently played a prominent role in the island's democratisation in the 1960s. The Saint Helena General Workers Union was the island's sole trade union throughout the latter half of the 20th century. In the 21st century, workers are mostly organised in the public sector in staff associations for nurses, teachers and public servants.
