International Metalworkers' Federation - IMF (1893-2012)
Item set
Description
The International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) was a global union federation founded in Zürich in 1893.
Originally established as the International Metallurgists' Bureau of Information, it adopted the name IMF in 1904 after merging with the International Secretariat of Foundry Workers.
Membership fluctuated over time, dropping during the 1930s depression but rebounding post-WWII. In 1949, some unions briefly formed a separate foundry federation due to disagreements over sectoral conferences.
IMF held quadrennial congresses to set policy and elect leadership. Its headquarters were in Geneva, with regional offices worldwide.
In 2012, the IMF merged with IndustriALL Global Union to form a new global federation.
Organisational history
1893 - Organisation is founded as the International Metallurgists' Bureau of Information
1904 - changed name to International Metalworkers* Federation
2021 - Organisation merges into IndustriALL Global union
