ITUC

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is the world’s largest global trade union federation, representing workers through affiliated national union centers and global union federations. Its mandate is to promote and defend workers’ rights, freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, and social justice at the international level. The ITUC coordinates campaigns and policy work across regions and industries to advance decent work and fair globalization.

History and structure

The ITUC was established in 2006 through the merger of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labour (WCL). It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The supreme decision-making body is the ITUC Congress, which meets every four years to set policy and elect leadership. Day-to-day leadership is provided by an appointed General Secretary and an executive structure. The federation operates through regional organizations and maintains affiliations with hundreds of national trade union centers and global union federations.

Activities and influence

The ITUC engages with international bodies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations agencies to promote enforceable labor standards and human rights. It campaigns on issues including freedom of association, the elimination of forced labor and child labor, workplace safety, fair wages, and social protection. The organization publishes the Global Rights Index, which assesses and compares workforce rights across countries, and coordinates advocacy on labor rights within trade and development policy debates.

Overall, the ITUC functions as a key representative and advocate for workers’ rights on a global scale, coordinating efforts among unions worldwide to promote decent work and social justice.