WOW - World Organization Of Workers

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WOW - World Organization Of Workers

World Organization of Workers (WOW) is an international trade union federation of national trade uni

02/06/2026

Value-based leadership is a strength
At the leadership conference “Wert(e)voll führen 2026”, church and business leaders from across Austria gathered at Stift Göttweig for two days focused on leadership — and especially value-based leadership.

As a member of the Krifa Executive Board and President of WOW Europe, I was invited to take part in an inspiring panel discussion together with three keynote speakers who each challenged the participants on topics such as leadership, teamwork, the role of the church in conflict areas and leadership in that context, as well as systems versus quality of life. Together with two additional guests — and guided by excellent moderation — the discussion developed into a truly engaging and thought-provoking debate, from which I personally brought home many valuable insights.

Later, I had the opportunity to highlight “Happiness at Work” (“God Arbejdslyst”) and especially the research that Krifa has developed through more than ten years of work on the subject. This took place in a very well-attended workshop and led to many meaningful conversations and lively discussions.

It always gives me great joy when we in WOW can help place important topics on the agenda in an international context and show leaders from many parts of society that, as labour movements, we have something constructive and visionary to contribute.

Mikael Arendt Laursen
President of WOW Europe

30/05/2026

What are the challenges and obstacles of trade unions? This is the central topic of the seminar organized by SINERGIA in cooperation with European Centre for Workers’ Questions in Lisbon, Portugal. The seminar is titled "Worker's organizations and solidarity in Europe". I was geven the opportunity to introduce the work of the World Organization of Workers and the position of trade unions in a global context.

22/05/2026

Interesting seminar titled "Compass for Competitiveness and Union of Skills" in Prague, Czech Republic (21-22 May 2026). How can we make sure to be more competitive in order to retain our position and protect the quality of labour? For this education and skills are key!

12/05/2026

Rising prices are hitting working people worldwide.

Energy, heating and fuel costs have increased sharply. Prices rise quickly in times of crisis, but fall far too slowly when markets recover. Families are left paying the price.

At the same time, many businesses face pressure, leading to uncertainty and job losses. Workers should not carry the burden alone.

The World Organisation of Workers calls for fair wages, transparent energy pricing and strong protection for jobs.

Economic crises must not be paid for by working people.

06/05/2026

New EZA Magazine out now:
Social Justice in Focus! Is security only a matter of military strength, or is it also about social peace?
This was one of the central questions at the European Centre for Workers’ Questions Conference 2026: "Social justice in a rearming Europe", which is now featured in the latest issue of EZA Magazin.
Representing WOW, Bjørn Van Heuesden (Executive Secretary) and Rolf Bro Weber (Policy Advisor) participated in the important debates on how Europe's rearmament affects our welfare, education, and social rights. We are working to ensure that the increased focus on security does not come at the expense of workers' conditions and social protection.
In the photo below, you can see Bjørn and Rolf in action alongside colleagues from Lithuania and the EESC during the conference.

Read the full magazine to learn more about topics such as:
- The consequences of higher military spending on the social fabric. - Mental health in war zones
– an interview with psychologist Eleanor Hitchman from the ICRC. -- Defining future priorities for workers' organisations in candidate countries.

Find the magazine here:
https://www.eza.org/en/news/items/das-neue-eza-magazine-ist-da

01/05/2026

Are Trade Unions a Thing of the Past?
This May Day, WOW Asia reflects on the future of labor in an era of rapid technological change. As AI and automation reshape our workplaces, the role of worker organizations is evolving—not disappearing. From the formal sector to the growing world of online freelancing, the need for solidarity remains constant.

Read our latest reflections on why trade unions are more relevant than ever.

Something to ponder this Labor Day…

Someone once asked: “Are trade unions becoming obsolete in this era of technological advancement?”

The answer is simple: As long as there are workers, there will be a need for worker organizations. However, unions must evolve to stay responsive, expanding their reach beyond the formal sector to embrace the growing informal economy.

Many workers today—whether through early retirement, voluntary retrenchment, or company closures—are transitioning into informal livelihoods and non-traditional jobs. The landscape is shifting, and our relevance depends on our ability to follow them there.
The Relevance of Trade Unions in the Modern Age

The global workforce is facing significant shifts in stability and demand due to the rise of automation and AI. We see this disruption firsthand as human roles in sectors like customer service are increasingly supplemented or replaced by technology.

The Impact on Trade Unions
Trade unions are evolving, but we must admit that the pace of technology often outstrips the pace of traditional organizing. This "development gap" leaves workers vulnerable, weakening collective bargaining power and job security.

Trade unions are not becoming obsolete—but our traditional frameworks might be. The old ways of organizing often lack the tools to address modern dilemmas, such as the diminishing bargaining position of workers in automatable sectors where technology offers a cheaper alternative to human labor.

The Rise of the Informal Sector
Automation reduces the reliance on traditional human labor, complicating how unions protect the workforce. This shift contributes to a fragmented labor market, with a surge in informal and non-traditional employment that makes collective organizing more challenging.

Consider this: The number of online freelancers worldwide has increased by approximately 40% since 2016, now totaling hundreds of millions. This decentralized workforce largely exists outside traditional union structures. As AI-driven automation grows, it continues to pose a challenge to wage stability and job security.
The Path Forward

Despite these challenges, trade unions will never be irrelevant. To sustain our role and protect workers' rights, we must accelerate our modernization. By adapting to digital labor platforms and emerging forms of employment, we ensure that no worker—regardless of their sector—is left to face the future alone.

14/04/2026

Strong union work in Portugal!

At WOW, we are proud of our active members who take the lead in social dialogue. This time, our Portuguese member organization, SNQTB, has been in action, discussing crucial labor law reforms with top political leaders in Madeira.

Check out their update below:

SNQTB met with the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, with representatives of the CES and with deputies from political parties such as CDS, Chega, JPP, PS and PSD. This was an important opportunity to present and discuss the position of SNQTB on the proposal regarding the revision of the Labor Code by the Portuguese Government, as well as on issues more directly related to the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

From left to right, Carla Cunha (SNQTB), Paulo Gonçalves Marcos (SNQTB), Miguel Albuquerque (President of the Regional Government of Madeira), Madalena Spranger (SNQTB), and Tiago Teixeira (SNQTB)

07/04/2026

News from our global community!
For the first time, we are proud to share a greeting directly from our members in Liberia.
At WOW, we work to ensure that every worker—no matter where they are in the world—experiences dignity and justice.
Read below and take a look at these inspiring images from the Liberia Rural Workers’ Trade Union (LIRWTU), showcasing solidarity in action.

In Margibi County, Liberia, the members of LIRWTU rise at dawn to clear land, till soil, and plant cassava. Beneath the shade of tall trees, they gather in meetings and workshops—not only to farm but to affirm their rightful place in Liberia’s labor economy.

These are more than communal chores; they are acts of dignity and solidarity. Each ridge of earth is a symbol of resilience, and each workshop a reminder that rural workers are not invisible, but essential.

As they say themselves: “Our labor feeds the nation. Our voices must be heard in the market. Our dignity must be recognized in the laws.”

26/03/2026

Greetings from the engine room of WOW

Even though it’s been a few weeks since we at WOW visited the European Employment & Social Rights Forum, our notebooks are still glowing!

It was amazing to feel the energy and commitment from all over Europe. Since returning, we’ve spent our time reflecting on and discussing the many inputs we brought home.
Ultimately, it’s all about how we create a better and more secure working life for everyone—exactly what we are passionate about at WOW.

We are excited to bring the latest European knowledge back to you and into our daily work.

13/03/2026

Strength through unity

This week, Wayne Prins, President of the World Board of the World Organisation of Workers (WOW), visited Europe to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with member organisations.

On Monday, together with Mikael Arendt Laursen, President of the WOW European Board, he visited the Dutch trade union CNV, one of WOW’s key member organisations. The visit included constructive discussions with several CNV representatives, including the newly elected President Hans van den Heuvel.

The visit continued on Wednesday and Thursday in Denmark, where meetings were held with the leadership of Krifa. Wayne Prins also addressed Krifa’s National Board and discussed the importance of international cooperation within the WOW network.

Maintaining a strong and united international organisation requires continuous dialogue and alignment of expectations. Through close cooperation between our member organisations, WOW continues to strengthen the voice of value-based trade unions in Europe and around the world.

Adres

Brussels
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Telefoon

+32476946406

Website

http://www.wow-world.org/

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