International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries

International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries is a global union federation that brings together trade unions from the construction and wood industries, including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and United Steelworkers. The union has its roots in the early 20th century, with the formation of the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers in 1930, which later merged with the World Federation of Trade Unions in 2005. The International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries has close ties with other global union federations, such as the International Transport Workers' Federation and the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations. The union is also affiliated with the European Trade Union Confederation and the African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation.

● History

The history of the International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries dates back to the early 20th century, with the formation of the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers in 1930, which was founded by trade unions from Europe, North America, and South America, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and the Canadian Labour Congress. The union played a key role in the International Labour Organization's efforts to establish global labor standards, including the Eight Hours Convention and the Forced Labour Convention. During World War II, the union worked closely with the Allies to support the war effort, including the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the British Army. In the post-war period, the union expanded its membership to include trade unions from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the Brazilian Workers' Confederation.

● Organization

The International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries is governed by a World Congress that meets every four years, which is composed of delegates from its member unions, including the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. The union has a General Secretary who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and is supported by a team of regional secretaries, including the European Regional Secretary and the Asian Regional Secretary. The union also has a number of sectoral committees, including the Construction Committee and the Wood and Forestry Committee, which are responsible for developing policies and campaigns on specific issues, such as occupational health and safety and sustainable forestry. The union works closely with other global union federations, including the International Federation of Journalists and the International Arts and Entertainment Alliance.

● Membership

The International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries has a diverse membership of trade unions from around the world, including the National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa) and the United Mine Workers of America. The union represents workers in a wide range of occupations, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and woodworkers, who are employed in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and forestry. The union has a strong presence in Europe, North America, and South America, with member unions in countries such as Germany, France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. The union also has a growing presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with member unions in countries such as China, India, South Africa, and Mexico.

● Activities

The International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries is involved in a wide range of activities, including collective bargaining, industrial action, and lobbying governments and international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund. The union campaigns on issues such as workers' rights, health and safety, and environmental protection, and has been involved in high-profile campaigns on issues such as asbestos and deforestation. The union also provides training and education programs for its members, including courses on occupational health and safety and union organizing, which are delivered in partnership with organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the European Trade Union Institute. The union works closely with other social movements, including the environmental movement and the human rights movement, and has partnerships with organizations such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International.

● InternationalAffiliations

The International Union of Workers in the Construction and Wood Industries is affiliated with a number of international organizations, including the International Trade Union Confederation and the European Trade Union Confederation. The union is also a member of the Global Union Federations, which brings together global union federations from different sectors, including the International Federation of Journalists and the International Arts and Entertainment Alliance. The union has close ties with other global union federations, including the International Transport Workers' Federation and the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations. The union is also affiliated with regional organizations, such as the African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Asian Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation, and has partnerships with organizations such as the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The union works closely with international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, and has consultative status with the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization.

Category:Global union federations