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Creation of new international trade union confederation inspires
1 November 2006
A new trade union international, providing workers worldwide with a stronger and more united voice, was launched today at a founding congress in Austria.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) was officially formed in Vienna following the dissolution congresses of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labour (WCL). The new body will represent some 166 million workers through 309 affiliated organisations from 156 countries and territories. Members will comprise the affiliated organisations of the former ICFTU and WCL, along with eight other national trade union organisations that will for the first time affiliate to a global body.
It is anticipated that the ITUC’s creation will inspire new hope in the face of the huge challenges posed by globalisation: the international trade union movement is adapting to remain a key player in an economic climate that is creating more losers than winners. Off-shoring, abuse of workers' rights and increasing poverty are all examples of the negative impact of the imbalances of economic globalisation.
In his speech to the new body Randall Howard, the newly elected President of the ITF, said: "Organising globally means strengthening unions in the key economic hubs and corridors of the global economy and ensuring that unions work together not just across national borders but also across traditional industrial borders."
He continued: "Speaking for the ITF, we want to emphasise that we must be positive about our strength and build on it while addressing our weaknesses. If we use the important and strategic foundation of unity laid here in Vienna effectively, we can have a real impact on the global economy to ensure that we create sustainable quality jobs through the decent work agenda and continue our pursuit of a better world informed by the values of democracy, human and trade union rights, dignity, solidarity and social justice for all workers and citizens of the world, particularly in the poorest countries."
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