THE GENERAL Secretary of the World Federation of Trade Unions, Pambis Kyritsis, has warned that escalating geopolitical conflicts, worsening economic inequality and attacks on labour rights are threatening global peace and workers’ welfare worldwide.
Delivering the opening speech at the WFTU Presidential Council meeting held online, Kyritsis said the international trade union movement must intensify its struggle against imperialist wars, neoliberal economic policies and what he described as the growing exploitation of workers under global capitalism.
The annual meeting, originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain, was moved online following the outbreak of war after military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Kyritsis told delegates that the developments demonstrated how geopolitical rivalries continue to endanger international stability.
“The unprovoked imperialist attack against Iran, in violation of every concept of International Law, once again reminds us that global geopolitical and economic antagonisms continue to be a direct threat to world peace and security,” he said.
Concerns Over Global Conflicts, Economic Inequality
The WFTU leader painted a bleak picture of current global conditions, arguing that capitalism’s ongoing crisis has intensified wars, sanctions, economic blockades and social inequality.
He accused powerful nations and international institutions of manipulating international law while prioritizing military spending and the interests of multinational corporations.
Kyritsis also condemned what he described as the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and criticized Western support for Israel. He further denounced the longstanding United States embargo against Cuba, alleged intervention in Venezuela and military actions against Iran.
According to him, millions of workers affiliated with the WFTU had mobilized globally in solidarity with Palestinians and other nations facing external pressure.
“We have shown solidarity with heroic Cuba, not only through statements, but also through campaigns of material aid, fundraising efforts and collections of essential goods,” he said.
Growing Pressure on Workers Worldwide
A major portion of the address focused on labour conditions and what the WFTU described as a coordinated assault on workers’ rights.
Kyritsis argued that temporary employment, precarious work arrangements, outsourcing, privatization and teleworking are increasingly replacing stable jobs protected by collective bargaining agreements.
He warned that social protections such as public healthcare and pension systems are being weakened while retirement ages continue to rise.
The WFTU leader also criticized unsafe working conditions, saying employers frequently prioritize profits over occupational health and safety.
Despite the challenges, he praised what he described as growing resistance by workers across the world.
“Workers are not passively accepting the anti-people and anti-worker offensive,” Kyritsis said, citing strikes and mass mobilizations led by class-oriented trade unions in various countries.
Criticism of International Trade Union Leadership
Kyritsis also attacked what he called “yellow unions” and compromised trade union leaderships that allegedly collaborate with employers and governments.
He referred specifically to the arrest of former International Trade Union Confederation and European Trade Union Confederation Secretary Luca Visentini as an example of corruption and bureaucracy within sections of the international labour movement.
The speech accused some union leaders of abandoning class struggle in favour of integration into existing economic systems.
Highlights International Activities
Reviewing the federation’s activities in 2025, Kyritsis said the WFTU had expanded solidarity campaigns and strengthened international engagement.
He highlighted a WFTU delegation’s visit to Palestine, describing it as a reaffirmation of the federation’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
The General Secretary proposed reviving the WFTU Solidarity Fund to provide material support for organizations and movements facing severe hardship, particularly Palestinian trade unions affiliated with the federation.
Kyritsis also pointed to a recent visit by the WFTU Secretariat to China following an invitation from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.
According to him, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and coordinating actions among unions seeking peace and economic development.
Greater Presence at the International Labour Organisation
The WFTU leadership also emphasized its participation at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, where it advocated for trade union rights and challenged what it described as the monopolization of worker representation by the International Trade Union Confederation.
Kyritsis said the WFTU had contributed to efforts supporting Palestine’s upgraded observer status at the conference.
The federation additionally reported progress in revitalizing several affiliated trade union internationals and regional structures after years of reduced activity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
80th Anniversary Celebrations
A significant section of the speech was dedicated to the WFTU’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
Kyritsis described the central commemorative event in Paris — where the federation was founded — as a major success that reaffirmed the organization’s historical continuity and ideological orientation.
He said events organized worldwide demonstrated the federation’s commitment to anti-imperialism, class struggle and international solidarity.
Plans for 2027 World Trade Union Congress
One of the most significant announcements during the meeting was the proposal to hold the 19th World Trade Union Congress in Sri Lanka from May 13 to 15, 2027.
Kyritsis said the proposal was supported by the WFTU Secretariat and reflected the federation’s intention to strengthen its presence in Asia.
He described the planned congress as a future gathering point for class-oriented trade unions worldwide to coordinate strategies and renew global labour struggles.
Preparations for the congress are expected to begin later this year, with the next Presidential Council session scheduled for December to approve key congress documents and procedures.
Call for Global Worker Unity
Concluding his address, Kyritsis urged workers worldwide to remain united and organized in the face of growing political and economic pressures.
He argued that advances in science and technology should improve living standards rather than enrich a small elite.
“With our united and organized struggles the system that generates crisis and reproduces exploitation can be defeated,” he declared.
The speech closed with a call for a world free from war, exploitation and discrimination, where workers enjoy secure employment and dignified living conditions.
