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

17/08/2026

Beyond the Harvest: Securing the Future of Agriculture in Developing Asia

Agriculture employs millions of people across developing Asia—from the Philippines and Indonesia to Cambodia and Laos. Yet, despite farmers working tirelessly every day, the sector continues to face critical structural challenges that threaten food security and rural livelihoods.

In a new perspective from WOW-Asia, we highlight the key issues and what is needed to support our agricultural workforce:

The Challenges on the Ground:
Land conversion: Rapid urbanization is converting vital agricultural land into real estate and industrial zones, reducing domestic food production and displacing farming communities.

High costs & climate risks: Inadequate irrigation, rising production costs, outdated equipment, and extreme weather make stable incomes difficult to achieve.

Generational shift: As farming struggles with low profitability, fewer young workers choose agriculture, putting future food production at risk.

The Path Forward: Nations with highly developed agricultural systems—such as the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the US—show that success relies on a strong supporting ecosystem: Sustained investments in modern irrigation, mechanization, and research. Enforcing responsible land-use policies to protect finite farmland. Accessible financing, cooperatives, and farmer education.

At the World Organization of Workers (WOW), we believe that investing in agriculture is not an expense—it is a vital, long-term investment in workers' livelihoods, national resilience, and global food security.

07/08/2026

Solidarity with Workers Around the World: Venezuela’s Journalists Need Our Support

Even when the news headlines shift, the reality on the ground remains for the workers affected by disaster.
Our member organization, Felatraccs, reached out to share an update from Venezuela regarding the devastating impact of the June earthquakes on journalists and media workers—the very people who keep communities informed during crises.

While weeks have passed since the disaster, the path to recovery is long. Many media workers have lost their homes, lost loved ones, and 12 colleagues tragically lost their lives. Yet, despite the hardship, journalists continue their vital work on the frontlines to bring truth to the public.

Here is a summary of the situation reported by the National Syndicate of Press Workers (SNTP):

The Impact on Media Workers:
•12 journalists and media workers tragically lost their lives. We honor their memory and hold their families in our thoughts.

•65 press workers directly affected, mainly across Vargas/La Guaira (49), Aragua (9), and Caracas (7).

•18 media workers completely lost their homes, while 8 others remain displaced due to ongoing aftershocks and structural damage.

•165 family members are affected, including 44 children of our impacted colleagues.

The National Syndicate of Press Workers (SNTP) has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to provide basic necessities for affected media workers and their families, as well as to ensure journalists have the resources to continue reporting safely from the impacted zones.

"Your support helps us provide urgent assistance and strengthens the conditions so that information keeps reaching where it is needed most." — SNTP

At WOW, we stand in full solidarity with our Venezuelan colleagues. Disasters may last a day, but rebuilding lives and livelihoods takes time.

07/07/2026

From redundancy to new opportunities: WOW-Asia shows the way!

The labor market is in constant change, and sometimes it takes courage and ingenuity to forge your own path. Our colleagues at WOW-Asia have shared these powerful examples of how they navigate difficult times by standing together.

When one chapter closes, a new one often opens—and at WOW-Asia, we see how former colleagues are joining forces to create new opportunities:

From teachers to entrepreneurs: A group of retired teachers have pooled their resources to start a joint poultry project. Every morning, they sell fresh eggs in their community—a fantastic example of staying engaged in the labor market and contributing to the local community.

From restaurant staff to street food vendors: After being laid off, former restaurant employees used their separation pay as capital to launch their own street food stalls. They bring their experience and hard work with them, creating their own livelihood every night.

From office workers to market vendors: When local government offices implemented cost-cutting measures, former employees took matters into their own hands. They now purchase and sell fish locally to supplement their family income and ensure financial stability.

Why is this the WOW spirit?
It is not just about survival; it is about dignity. It is about refusing to give up and using your skills and your community to create value. This is the essence of a solidarity-based community—caring for ourselves and for one another.

We are incredibly proud of the resilience our members in WOW-Asia demonstrate. They remind us all that the strength of a trade union community is the most powerful tool we have.

Please show your support in the comments—have you ever had to reinvent yourself in your working life? 👇

26/06/2026

World Cup 2026: Celebrating Team Spirit and Fair Play!

As the world turns its eyes toward the World Cup over these weeks, we are reminded of something fundamental: the power of working together toward a common goal.

For us at the World Organization of Workers (WOW), football is more than just a game. It is a global community built on the very same principles that we fight for every day in our work: solidarity, fair play, and mutual respect.

On the football field, we see how results are achieved through teamwork, discipline, and respect for both teammates and opponents. These are the same values that define a strong social dialogue in the labor market. When we respect the rules of the game—just as we respect collective bargaining agreements—we build the foundation for a fair workplace and a just world.

We send our warmest wishes and good luck to all our member organizations and their national teams participating in the tournament! We look forward to following the excitement and celebrating this global community with all of you.

May the best team win—and may we always remember that we are strongest when we stand together.

"Which team is your organization with? Let us know in the comments below!"

20/06/2026

Greeting our members in Serbia!

The World Organisation of Workers (WOW) is live from Kladovo, Serbia! Today, our Senior Political Advisor, Rolf Bro Weber, officially opened the European Centre for Workers’ Questions seminar organized by RS BOFOS.

In his opening speech, Rolf highlighted the incredible dedication of RS BOFOS and emphasized that even though WOW is not the largest international federation, our strength lies in our democratic values, close personal relationships, and solidarity with our member organizations.

The focus of this weekend's seminar is highly critical: advancing gender equality, breaking stereotypes, and strengthening women's rights in the labor market through collective bargaining.

This seminar is a very important step on our roadmap toward our own upcoming international seminar, "Paving the Way for Equality," taking place in Torremolinos, Spain, this October!

We are proud to see our global family come together in solidarity to share best practices and build a fairer future for all workers.

We wish all participants and our friends at RS BOFOS a wonderful and successful seminar and bofosiada!

Picture:
Marija Jovanovic - Deputy President of RS BOFOS and member of the European WOW board
Rolf Bro Weber - Senior Political Advisor WOW
Mara Erdelj - President of RS BOFOS

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

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