The use of, otherwise forbidden, pesticides has led to the death of workers. Cases of sterility and of women delivering deformed babies were also reported. In the United States, freedom of association and the right to strike are severely restricted. At least one in 10 union supporters campaigning to form a union is illegally fired. The instances of extreme exploitation have increased in particular of foreign workers recruited through private employment agencies.
Workers regularly face harassment.
Africa Trade union repression is rife in Africa. In this continent nearly four out of five arrests world-wide took place in Africa. Strikes and demonstrations were also harshly repressed. The legislation of 23 of the 31 African countries covered contains restrictive measures on the right to strike. Trade unionists are frequently harassed in Africa.