The IFTU was the first permanent general international organisation of trade unions. It was formed in Copenhagen in August 1901. The organisation collapsed during World War I and the American Federation of Labour disaffiliated. The IFTU was re-established and during the 1920s, the organisation concentrated mainly on European issues. In the 1930s, the IFTU extended its membership outside Europe.

During World War II, the IFTU operated from London, supported by the TUC, but could not play any significant role. It was replaced by the World Federation of Trade Unions in 1945.

This photograph show (l-r) Walter Citrine (UK) Leon Jouhaux (France) Cornelius Mertens (Belgium)

Title	International Federation of Trade Unions Congress, London, 1936
Maker	--
Production Date	1936
Format	Photograph
Copyright	--
Holding Institution	TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University
Related Objects	--