State Sovereignty and the Enforcement of Trade Unions’ Rights in Cameroon: An Appraisal

Abstract

This paper examines the tension between state sovereignty and the enforcement of trade union rights in Cameroon; in doing this, it situates the genealogy of the international protection of trade union rights in the context of the advent of the industrial revolution in the 19^th century. While Cameroon has ratified key international labour organization (ILO) conventions guaranteeing the protection of trade of union rights, the problem remains the ineffective domestic implementation of these conventions. This research employs the doctrinal research approach in its analyses. Findings therefore reveal that, the State of Cameroon continue to rely on its sovereignty to curtail the practical enforcement of trade union rights as contained in the International Labour Code, by failing to keep it domestic laws in tandem with international obligations. We therefore submit that, Cameroon should exercise its sovereignty in a manner that reinforces its international obligation by aligning its national labour legislations with the ILO Fundamental Principles. This balance will enhance both State legitimacy and the socio-economic development of its labour force.