About Us – Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC)
The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) is the primary regional trade union organization in the Arab world, uniting over 7 million workers through more than 20 national union centers across North Africa, the Levant, and the Gulf. ATUC was established in response to the urgent need for a democratic, independent, and unified Arab trade union movement capable of defending workers’ rights and social justice at a time of profound regional and global transformations.
Founded on the principles of democracy, independence, solidarity, and social justice, ATUC is committed to:
- Defending labor, economic, social, civil, and human rights for all workers, especially for marginalized groups such as migrant workers, women, youth, informal sector workers, and persons with disabilities;
- Promoting free, transparent, and representative trade unionism, grounded in international labor standards and respect for pluralism;
- Advocating for decent work, fair wages, occupational safety and health, and universal social protection;
- Contributing to the development of democratic institutions and the protection of public freedoms, particularly freedom of association, the right to strike, and freedom of expression.
ATUC is governed by a democratic structure anchored in its Constitution and Bylaws. Every four years, the General Congress, its highest decision-making body, elects the Executive Bureau, the General Council, and the President, who oversee implementation of ATUC’s policies and strategic priorities.
Who we are
Workers at the Frontlines of Arab Democracy
Our Strategic Priorities
ATUC’s work is guided by a broad strategic agenda that includes:
- Promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in the labor market, unions, and leadership roles;
- Strengthening the rights of youth and young workers, and encouraging their active role in shaping the future of work;
- Defending migrant workers’ rights and denouncing exploitative labor migration regimes;
- Ensuring inclusive social dialogue and the effective participation of trade unions in policymaking at national, regional, and international levels;
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, exploitation, forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking;
- Upholding democratic governance, transparency, anti-corruption measures, and inclusive economic development across the Arab region.
Our Programs and Initiatives
To realize its mission, ATUC has launched several flagship initiatives and platforms, including:
- The Equality Forum: A regional platform promoting equal rights and social justice at work, addressing discrimination, gender gaps, and exclusion;
- The Arab Center for Just Transition: Supporting a people-centered transition to green and digital economies, ensuring workers are protected, retrained, and included in decision-making;
- The Social Protection and OSH Program: Advocating universal social protection floors, workers’ access to health and safety, and improved labor inspection frameworks;
- The Democracy, Peace, and Labor Rights Program: Promoting civic space, democratic freedoms, and trade union participation in peacebuilding processes.
International Engagement and Solidarity
ATUC is an active member of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and works in close cooperation with:
- The International Labour Organization (ILO), to ensure Arab labor rights are aligned with global labor conventions;
- The Arab Labour Organization (ALO) and other regional bodies;
- Civil society, feminist movements, youth groups, and academic institutions, to promote labor justice and broaden the reach of its advocacy.
ATUC also plays a vocal role in global negotiations—such as the United Nations Climate Conferences (COPs)—to ensure workers’ voices are central to discussions on climate, social protection, technology, and economic reform.
Our Vision
ATUC envisions a just, democratic, inclusive, and sovereign Arab region where all workers—regardless of status, gender, age, or origin—enjoy full rights, dignified livelihoods, and effective representation. Through strong, democratic trade unions, it strives to build a future where workers are not only protected but are empowered agents of social and political transformation.
