Trade unions of the world

John Harper Publishing and ICTUR, 432 pages, paperback, £65.00

Even in these lean times it is worth remembering an important statistic - there are probably more genuine trade unions and more members of independent unions in the world today than at any other time in history.

Now in its sixth edition, this directory provides a comprehensive guide to the state of trade unionism in every country of the world.

It covers countries where genuine trade unionism is banned, such as China, or co-opted by the state, such as Egypt, as well as countries where unions suffer heavy repression, such as Colombia.

But it also highlights important countries, such as South Africa and South Korea, where trade unionism is thriving.

Its truly global perspective makes the book an essential reference tool for anyone engaged in international union solidarity.