Mergers result in new global confederation

Last month saw the foundation of a new world union body formed by the merger of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the World Confederation of Labour (WCL) and eight other national trade union organisations that will affiliate to a global body for the first time.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) represents 166 million workers through its 309 affiliated organisations, located in 156 countries and territories. It was formed in an attempt to maintain the international union movement's influence in an era of declining workers' rights created by "race to the bottom" globalisation.

The general secretary, Guy Ryder, said the new body would "solidify the trade union movement's capacity at the national and international levels. Stronger, we will exert more influence on governments and international, financial and trade institutions."

The TUC is a member of the new confederation, as it was previously affiliated to the ICFTU. The Belgian union confederation, the CSC, and the French CGT have also joined.