World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)
Website: http://www.wftucentral.org/
Category: Labour
Year of Foundation: 1945
Location of Foundation: Paris, France
Location of Headquarters: Athens, Greece
Brief Description: WFTU describes itself as 'a democratic, class-based international trade union organisation of struggle of all wage-earners, which supports and encourages action by trade unions in every country to obtain the independent rights and demands of the workers, to defend their interests, to combat all forms of domination and subservience, exploitation and oppression, and to bring about socioeconomic development, and which develops and coordinates cooperation and solidarity.' (Source: http://www.wftucentral.org/; accessed 19 January 2010)
Founding Rationales:
The organization's draft constitution approved on 3 May 1945 included amongst its objectives: 'to organize the common struggle of trade unions of all countries,' including helping workers in developing countries, defending against fascist governments, promoting the creation of a peace/collective security organization, and representing labour interests in international organizations.
Source: 'Draft Constitution of the World Federation of Trade Unions as unanimously adopted by the Admin. Committee, May 3, 1945', World Federation of Trade Unions Collection, TUC Library, London.
Evolution of Membership:
Sources: YIO; EAIO; www.wftucentral.org (accessed 19 January 2010)