Violence against women is a grave violation directed at women’s right to life, freedom, and human dignity. It is also a structural form of inequality that threatens social justice, the dignity of labour, social cohesion, and the sustainability of democratic life. According to United Nations data, one in every three women worldwide is subjected to violence at least once in her lifetime. This reality clearly demonstrates that violence against women is not isolated incidents but a deep-rooted and multidimensional human rights issue.

World Children’s Day on 20 November is a universal call to the collective conscience of humanity. It reminds us that every child has an equal, free, and safe right to life, while also exposing the deep global injustices we must confront.

The Joint Final Declaration, released at the high-level strategic meeting titled “The Labour Movement in the Face of the New Challenges of Work and World Transformation” held in Istanbul on 11 November 2025 by the International Labour Confederation (ILC) and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), set forth a strong vision for the future of the global labour movement.

Delegates of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), who participated in the high-level strategic meeting held in Istanbul on 11 November 2025, extended their support to the “Breathe for the Future, for a Green Homeland” campaign organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye.

Istanbul, 11 November 2025 – The International Labour Confederation (ILC) and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) convened a high-level strategic meeting in Istanbul under the theme “The Labour Movement in the Face of New Challenges of Work and Global Transformation.”

The Board of Directors of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) convened in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 11 November 2025. The meeting held significant importance for assessing the ILC’s global activities and adopting strategic decisions for the upcoming term.

As part of its visit to Lisbon, a delegation from the International Labour Confederation (ILC) paid a courtesy visit to the Independent Trade Union Confederation of Portugal (USI), a member of the ILC Board of Directors.

ILC President Ali Yalçın and ILC Secretary General Hamza Öksüz paid an official visit to Iraq, during which they held a series of high-level meetings. The delegation was welcomed at the first stop of the visit by Settar Denbous, President of the Federation of Iraqi Trade Unions and a member of the ILC Executive Board.

Ali Yalçın, President of Memur-Sen and the International Labour Confederation (ILC), together with ILC Secretary-General Hamza Öksüz, attended the Board of Directors meeting of the Worker’s House, Iran’s oldest and largest labour organization and an ILC Executive Board Member. The meeting was also attended by a representative of the Presidency and Worker’s House executives. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the labour organizations of the two countries and exploring opportunities for regional solidarity.

The International Labour Confederation (ILC) strongly and unequivocally condemns the Israeli attack on the Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying baby formula, food, and medicine for civilians.

The International Labour Confederation (ILC) convened its Boared Of Directors’ meeting online. Chaired by ILC President Ali Yalçın, the meeting drew attention to global conflicts, regional issues, and the responsibilities of the labour movement.

On this World Youth Day, 12 August, the International Labour Confederation (ILC) emphasizes the vital role of youth in social life and the workforce around the world. Young people, with their energy, innovative ideas, and power for change, are the most valuable resource in building today and tomorrow. However, millions of young people are facing serious challenges today, such as high unemployment, insecurity, barriers to education, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

Global Solidarity of Labour Against Modern Slavery

On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), the International Labour Confederation (ILC) strongly condemns all forms of human trafficking and calls for enhanced trade union solidarity and international cooperation to eradicate this global crime.

President of the International Labour Confederation (ILC), Ali Yalçın, and ILC Secretary General, Hamza Öksüz, hosted Khaled Abu Marjoub, Vice President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU)—one of the founding confederations of the ILC—along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting provided a fruitful platform for exchanging ideas on regional and global challenges facing the labor movement, as well as the future of solidarity among confederations.

As the International Labour Confederation (ILC), we strongly and unequivocally condemn Israel’s recent attacks on Iran and the ongoing destruction in Gaza. Israel’s long-standing policy of aggression has evolved into a systematic form of state terrorism, characterized by war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and acts tantamount to genocide.

A Decent Life is Everyone’s Right: Solidarity with Refugees is Possible Through Justice World Refugee Day, observed on 20 June, is a global call to highlight the fundamental rights, dignity, and struggle for survival of more than 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide (UNHCR). Refugeehood is not a personal choice, but a compulsory search for survival, dignity, and safety.

Children Are Not Our Workers, They Are Our Future!

On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Confederation (ILC) once again strongly affirms: Child labour is a global injustice that violates human dignity and must be abolished in all its forms without delay.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the International Labour Confederation (ILC) reaffirms that environmental sustainability and labour rights are inseparable. The climate crisis, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss are not merely ecological challenges—they represent a global justice crisis that deepens existing social inequalities.

The Secretary General of the International Labour Confederation (ILC), Mr. Hamza Öksüz, welcomed Mr. Arezki Mezhoud, Secretary General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), in a meeting focused on the most pressing challenges confronting the global labour movement today.

The dynamics of working life under the global capitalist system based on exploitation are making the lives of parents increasingly difficult and exacerbating poverty. Under this heavy burden, the institution of the family is becoming more fragile day by day, and the deteriorating demographic indicators are taking a central place on the agenda of states. The rising elderly population is increasing the need for direct care services; meanwhile, the declining youth population is making sustainability in this area more difficult.

On this May Day—celebrated with enthusiasm and unity by workers across the globe—we once again reaffirm the enduring power of solidarity and the central role of the labour movement in shaping a just and humane world.

Declaration of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) 28 April – World Day for Safety and Health at Work "Strengthening Occupational Safety and Health in a Digitalizing World" Today, on the occasion of the 28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we once again strongly reaffirm our demand for a healthy and safe working environment — the most fundamental right of every individual in working life.

Hamza Öksüz, Vice President of Memur-Sen and Secretary General of the International Labour Confederation (ILC), who was in Sarajevo at the invitation of EMMAUS, paid a courtesy visit to the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH), a member of the ILC.

Following the Statutory Amendment Congress of the International Labour Confederation (ILC), the ILC Board of Directors convened in Ankara and took a number of significant decisions. The meeting addressed the confederation’s vision for the upcoming period, strategic priorities, and institutional structuring.

The Statute Amendment General Assembly of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) was successfully held in Ankara on April 20, 2025.

Established in 2022 and officially launched following its inaugural General Assembly in 2024, the International Labour Confederation (ILC) marked a significant milestone with the “At a Glance” meeting, held as part of the International Congress on Labour, Digitalization, and Social Justice. The event took place in Türkiye, bringing together 200 trade union leaders representing 50 confederations, 3 regional labour organizations, and 41 countries.

The program began on January 9, 2025, with a formal opening ceremony. Key speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Elif Gökçearslan, President of ÇASGEM, and Mr. Ali Yalçın, President of ILC.

The three-day training program on “Institutional Capacity Building and Digital Transformation”, organized by the International Labor Confederation (ILC) in collaboration with the Center for Labour and Social Security Training and Research (ÇASGEM), concluded with a formal closing ceremony on January 11, 2025.

The International Labor Confederation (ILC), in collaboration with the Center for Labour and Social Security Training and Research (ÇASGEM), is organizing a three-day intensive training program in Ankara on Institutional Capacity Building and Digital Transformation. This program brings together 28 trade unionists from 19 countries to strengthen organizational capabilities in an increasingly digitalized world.

A Just World Will Be Built Through Comprehensive Struggles Against Violence!

The Board of Directors of the International Labour Confederation (ILC) gathered in Ankara to set the calendar for activities scheduled for 2025.

The President of the International Labor Confederation (ILC), Mr. Ali Yalçın, recently completed a significant visit to ILC affiliates and new member unions in Malaysia and Indonesia, reinforcing the confederation’s commitment to global labor solidarity and collaboration.

In the framework of the 112th International Labour Conference, Dr. Ahmet Gök, the ILC's Secretary General, hosted a reception at the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) Building in Geneva.

Dr. Ahmet Gök, ILC General Secretary attended a press conference organized by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Primary Education Workers Union regarding the education workers’ rights in Sarajevo, on 14 May, 2024.

International Labour Confederation (ILC) General Secretary Dr. Ahmet Gök and his accompanying delegation laid a wreath at the Istanbul Taksim Republic Monument on behalf of confederation and read the ILC May 1st Declaration.

International Labour Confederation’s May Day Declaration:Continuing the struggle for decent work and a just and peaceful world…

The 1st Ordinary General Assembly of the International Labour Confederation (ILC), which includes 33 confederations from 25 countries and represents over 30 million workers, including Memur-Sen, was held at the Memur-Sen Headquarter.

The 1st Ordinary General Assembly of the International Labor Confederation (ILC) began at the EBS Hotel, Ankara, with the participation of over 100 trade unionists from 27 countries.

International Confederation of Labor (ILC) Promotional Film