On November 17-22, 2022, the Fifth World Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) was held in Melbourne, Australia.
It should be noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the World Labor Confederation were formed in 2006 as a result of the merger of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the World Labor Confederation, and it is a large organization that supports the development of the trade union movement. The organization protects the rights of 200 million workers in 161 countries and includes 325 national member organizations.
The main mission of the ITUC is to promote and protect the rights and interests of workers through international cooperation among trade unions, global campaigns and advocacy in secular institutions.
The main activities of the organization include trade unions and human rights, economy, society and decent workplace, equality and non-discrimination, and international solidarity.
ITUC is governed by the General Council and the Executive Bureau by the World Congress held every 4 years, adhering to the principles of trade union democracy and independence.
Its regional organizations are the Regional Organization for Asia and the Pacific, the Regional Organization for Africa and the Regional Organization for the Americas. In addition, ITUC cooperates with the European Trade Union Confederation and the Pan-European Regional Council.
The organization maintains relations with the Global Union Federations and Trade Unions Advisory Committee (TUAC), cooperates with the International Labor Organization and a number of other specialized agencies of the UN.
Luca Visentini , General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation and the Pan European Regional Council, was elected Secretary General of the Confederation of Trade Unions and Mrs. Akiko Gono (Japan Confederation of Trade Unions) as the President of the Confederation of Trade Unions within the V World Congress.
A large delegation of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) also participated in the Congress of the World’s largest international trade union organization. The head of the delegation, the chairman of the ATUC, the deputy of the Azerbaijan Milli Majlis, the vice-president of the Pan-European Regional Council, Sattar Mohbaliyev was re-elected as the vice-president of the ITUC.
The election of ATUC chairman as vice-president as a representative of Trade Unions of European countries in the General Council and Executive Committee of ITUC , which includes 161 countries of the world and 3 regional organizations, not only increases the prestige of our country in the international arena, but is also proud for ATUC member organizations and employees.
Having met with the newly elected General Secretary, S. Mohbaliyev congratulated him and wished him success in his work. He said that the trade unions of Azerbaijan attach great importance to the comprehensive relationship with the ITUC and cooperate effectively with the members of the organization. Recalling the previous meetings with L.Visentini and the exchange of views, S. Mohbaliyev said that he is hopeful that the ITUC will adequately cope with the tasks set before it, and the relations between the national trade unions will expand further. L. Visentini thanked S. Mohbaliyev for the congratulation and highly valued the activity of ATUC.
ATUC chairman Sattar Mohbaliyev also met with the president of Japan Trade Union Confederation Mrs. Tomoko Yoshino. At the meeting, they talked about the relations between the trade unions of Japan and Azerbaijan, organized mutual visits, and the effective results of the exchanges of ideas. Recalling the visit of a group of Azerbaijani trade union activists to Japan, S. Mohbaliyev pointed out that it played an important role in the development of relations. It was noted that both sides will continue to work hard to deepen relations.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, participated in the congress and wished the national trade unions success in achieving their goals in the difficult and responsible work. Also, the head of the government of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, made a video address at the congress.