International Confederation of Free Trade Unions - ICFTU (1949–2006)
Item set
Congress in Stockholm 1953. (ARAB)
Description
In 1949, amid Cold War tensions, several trade union federations, including those from the U.S., UK, France, Italy, and Spain, left the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) due to concerns over communist influence. They formed the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), representing 48 million workers across 53 countries.
Throughout its existence, the ICFTU debated its stance on communism and expanded its reach into Asia and Africa. After the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, its membership grew significantly.
The organisation continued until 2006, when it merged with the World Confederation of Labour to form the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Organisational history
1949 – the organisation is founded
2006 – the organisation merges into the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)