The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) was created, bringing together trade union organisations from 53 countries and claiming
What we stand for
We stand for solidarity, social equity and social progress.
Solidarity is in our DNA and is our business. Solid unity has allowed us to achieve significant positive changes over the years ever since USF has been created. That is why we are belonging to the general workers’ movement in Europe and the World, through membership in EPSU and PSI.
Founded in 1974 by a coalition of existing trade unions, USF was established as a single, united, and powerful movement that would be able to negotiate effectively with employers. It is to offer an umbrella, a common roof for all trade union forces in the International public service. We are convinced that unity is the key force of the workers’ movement.
Equal treatment of staff by employers regardless of race, religion, skill, gender, etc. All are equal in the eyes of the organization.
Having a substantial federal structure, with democratic organs, the budget, the will and the possibility to act together. Serving the needs of its members, controlled by the members. Not allowed to be dominated or controlled by external interests.
Social Progress is our main goal. One of the reasons why the Union Syndicale exists, in the first place, is our strong belief in social progress.
A brief history
1957
The Treaty of Rome. The Treaty established a European Parliament, a Council, a Commission and a Court of Justice. The creation of the European Trade Union Secretariat (SSE), which encouraged its organisations to take part in the process that led to the creation of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
1960’s
The enlargement of Europe, at the heart of the Cold War. The EEC, ECSC and EAEC (Euratom) were plagued by disorders that undermined the functioning of the common market. To avoid divergences caused by national political responses, the member states agreed on a step-by-step plan to create a European economic and monetary union.
1970’s
By the early 1970s, the number of institutions had risen to almost 10,000 officials and agents.
1973
The United Kingdom, along with Ireland and Denmark, officially opened the doors to the common market.
Union Syndicale Service Public Européen – Bruxelles (USB) was founded.
1974
Creation of the federation named ‘Union des Syndicats’, which later became Union Syndicale Fédérale