About Us
The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC)
A Regional Voice for Workers’ Rights, Justice, and Social Progress
The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) is the unified voice of workers across the Arab region. Officially established in October 2014, ATUC emerged from a growing recognition among Arab trade union organizations affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) of the urgent need to build a democratic, representative, and forward-looking trade union structure capable of responding to the profound transformations taking place in the region’s labor markets.
The founding of ATUC was the culmination of extensive consultations launched in the wake of the sweeping political and social changes that swept through the Arab world in 2011 and 2012. These consultations involved all Arab trade union organizations affiliated with the ITUC and resulted in the formal creation of ATUC with the full support of the global trade union movement. The establishment of the Confederation marked a turning point for the Arab labor movement, laying the foundation for a new model of trade unionism that is democratic, inclusive, and aligned with international labor standards.
ATUC today brings together 20 national trade union centers from across the Arab region, representing more than five million workers. Its core mission is to promote and defend the rights and interests of workers, both regionally and globally, through international trade union cooperation, global advocacy campaigns, and engagement with key international institutions. ATUC envisions a world where workers enjoy dignity, decent work, equality, and strong protections under the rule of law.
The Confederation is committed to building a democratic, dynamic, and inclusive trade union framework that advances social justice, freedom, and labor rights, and strengthens the foundations of social dialogue and collective bargaining. ATUC works to empower its member organizations to advocate for improved labor conditions, stronger social protection systems, and inclusive economic policies that serve the needs of all workers.
A central priority of ATUC is the broadening of trade union participation, particularly by women and youth, and ensuring that all workers—regardless of status, sector, or background—are represented in labor movements and policymaking spaces. ATUC also plays an active role in supporting the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on goals related to decent work, equality, gender justice, health, and strong institutions.
The Confederation’s work spans a range of key thematic areas, including:
- Trade union rights and human rights
- Economic and social policy, employment conditions, and workplace standards
- Equality and non-discrimination
- Occupational safety and health
- Comprehensive social protection
- International solidarity and cooperation
ATUC is governed by transparent and democratic structures, including a General Congress held every four years, a General Council, and an Executive Bureau. These bodies guide the Confederation’s strategic direction and ensure that its work remains grounded in the principles of trade union democracy, independence, and accountability.
In all its efforts, ATUC remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of Arab workers, advocating for dignified livelihoods, and contributing to the creation of a more equitable, just, and sustainable future for all across the Arab region.
