How are UK unions working with unions across the world?
The economy is global
The challenges workers, communities and societies face are interconnected and workers in the UK are affected by what happens around the world.
Many of the businesses that employ workers in the UK depend on being able to export and import from other parts of the world.
The prices of goods in the shops are affected by world events such as conflicts which prevent trade in goods and taxes (tariffs) being applied by other countries on UK goods.
There are many foreign owned companies in the UK whose decisions are affected by events in other countries as well as internationally.
Only by workers putting pressure on governments, employers and other organisations across the world will we be able to secure protections for workers’ rights and support good jobs in the UK.
International law protects workers’ rights
Workers’ rights in the UK are ultimately protected by a system of international law overseen by the International Labour Organisation – part of the United Nations.
We need to stand up for international law and workers’ rights to be protected internationally as rights being undermined in one country undermines workers’ rights in the UK and globally.
We achieve meaningful change by building strong international relationships, sharing information and supporting each other’s struggles.
The TUC is prioritising work in Palestine, Colombia, Türkiye and other countries where we have key relationships with trade unions.
International speakers at Congress
Watch speeches by international guests to TUC Congress.
Anti Far Right
Unions are among the few institutions with the resources, campaigning know-how and organising reach to counter the far-right. Find out more about out work to fight the far right internationally.
