International Trade Unions: Who They Are and What They Do

Wild Side Episode 10 explores international trade unions, their identity, and current priorities. Employee relations professionals often engage with them for expertise in European Works Councils or as targets of global corporate campaigns. These trade unions influence policy through the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UN systems, primarily via ITUC, ETUC, UniGlobal, and IndustriALL. Their focus includes International Framework Agreements and capacity building for the movement.

Key Takeaways: 

• What organisations make up the ILO, and what is their collective objective? [1:03]

• The ITUC is the global coordinating body of National Trade Union Federations. [3:34]

• The two most active and well-known Global Union Federations (GUFs) and their objectives. [5:02]

• International Framework Agreements and the conventions they commit to. [9:13]

• LabourStart.org is an extensive network and resource of trade union information. [12:17]

Resources: 

HR Policy Association

LabourStart

Alan Wild on Linkedin

awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey

HR Policy Upcoming Events