ABSTRACT
This book charts the turbulent history of the International Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) from its foundation in 1913, to its dissolution in 1945. Established to protect and advance the interests of workers of all countries and to further international solidarity, the IFTU from the outset was beset by difficulties. Within a year the First World War split the fledgling organisation, underlining national interests and creating resentment between some of the most powerful union interests. Although these differences were patched up after the end of hostilities, the Revolution in Russia and rise of Soviet Communism, with own aspirations to leadership of international labour, soon created new tensions within the IFTU.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter 1|64 pages
The World of the International Federation of Trade Unions
Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris
chapter 2|34 pages
The Discordant Clamour for International Unity
The Red Temptation of the International Federation of Trade Unions
chapter 3|22 pages
Subordinate or Partner?
The Difficult Relationship between the IFTU, as the Umbrella Organisation of National Unions, and the International Trade Secretariats
1
chapter 4|24 pages
Geneva
The International Labour Organization and the Social Reform Programme of the iftu
chapter 6|23 pages
Isolationism or Leadership
The American Federation of Labor and the International Federation of Trade Unions
chapter 7|36 pages
A Free Labour Movement in a World without Freedom
The IFTU against Fascism and Nazism
chapter 8|30 pages
Beyond the International Federation of Trade Unions
The Path to the World Federation of Trade Unions
