28 April, 2009
From technology and communications to trade, economics and politics, the world is undergoing rapid change. The consequences of this rapid globalisation directly impact workers around the world, affecting their daily working and family lives.
The key challenge unions face today is to make economic globalisation serve rather than enslave working people; to defend their rights in the face of increasingly centralised bodies of power.
The International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) is a worldwide association of national metal trade unions. Our job is to support solidarity across national boundaries between blue- and white-collar workers in key industrial sectors, improving pay and working conditions for millions of people.
 | "Our strength now and in the future depends on our ability to organise workers, to negotiate collective agreements and to unite our forces in times of trouble." Jyrki Raina IMF General Secretary |
 | "Taking a national approach to policy has limited effect for trade unions nowadays. We must follow up our statements on international cooperation and solidarity with adequate actions. Despite our national differences, there is more that unites than divides us." Berthold Huber IMF President |
Unions today - more relevant than ever
Trade unions are being confronted by the new and difficult challenges of economic globalisation. Modern technology has erased geographical borders and increased the pace of change in industry. Twenty years ago, companies found it difficult to move production from one country to another - today it can be done quickly and easily. The driving force behind this change is the quest for ever cheaper production.
Every one of these decisions affects working people and their families, which is why we believe that international trade union activities are more relevant than ever.