Leaders of trade unions from around the world will hold one of their largest gatherings ever next week in Japan, where they will discuss building a global labor movement.

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) holds its 18th World Congress from Dec. 5 to 10 in Miyazaki, Japan. Delegates will gather under the banner of "globalizing solidarity ? building a global union movement for the future."

The Congress will feature notable speakers including Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and Finnish President Tarja Halonen - co-chairs of the World Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalization, International Labor Organisation (ILO) Director General Juan Somavia and other dignitaries.

Over 700 delegates from the 234 ICFTU-affiliated organisations will attend the Congress. A central issue in the debate is the unification of the international labor movement to create a new international trade union organization. As outlined in the Congress theme report, presented by General Secretary Guy Ryder, a new organization would bring together the ICFTU and the World Confederation of Labor (WCL) as well as democratic trade unions which belong to neither of the two international organizations.

"Trade unions need to reach out to the many millions missing from their ranks and to gain ground and influence in relation to business and governments," said Ryder. "At the same time we need to internationalize trade union activities much more effectively, bringing national and international action much closer together, if we are to succeed in changing the course of globalization. The real need for this is paramount in industrial countries just as it is in the developing world.

"If we are to achieve this, and our goals of more effective representation, greater visibility and stronger influence for working people in the global economy, then we need to seriously assess the advantages that unification will bring."

Structural issues including unification and reform of the ICFTU?s working methods are covered in the main congress resolution and presented in the theme report. A further 14 resolutions to be decided upon in Japan underline the unswerving commitment of ICFTU affiliates to trade union rights, gender equality, the fight against all forms of discrimination and other fundamental rights in every country across the world.

In a recent interview, Ryder took the opportunity to outline other issues of prominent importance which will be discussed during the congress of the world?s largest trade union organization. The interview is featured on the ICFTU?s dedicated congress website, which will help connect its worldwide membership to the event?s debates and conclusions.

The ICFTU represents 148 million workers in 234 affiliated organizations in 152 countries and territories, including the United States.

For more information
Track coverage of the world congress on the Labourstart website
Learn more about unions in other countries at www.global-unions.org