International Federation of Trade Unions - IFTU (1919–1945)
Item set
Congress at Brunnsvik, 1934-39 (ARAB)
Description
The International Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), also called the Amsterdam International, was a global trade union organisation active from 1919 to 1945. It had ties to the Labour and Socialist International and was opposed by communist-aligned unions. After the American AFL withdrew in 1925, the IFTU became primarily European with a social democratic focus.
Its main role was lobbying the League of Nations and national governments in support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
By 1930, the IFTU had affiliates in 29 countries, representing 13.5 million workers. Its headquarters moved from Amsterdam to Berlin, then to Paris, and finally to London during WWII. Walter Schevenels served as secretary-general from 1930 to 1945. The IFTU dissolved in 1945 and was succeeded by the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).
Organisational history
1919 – the organisation was founded
1945 – the organisation was dissolved and replaced by the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)
