Global Union Federations: the institutions and methods of international solidarity

The aim of this thesis, and the individual publications within it, is principally to provide a realistic picture of the GUFs and to critically explore their power relative to the international industrial relations and political environments within which they operate. Additionally, the thesis aims to: critically analyse the GUFs from different perspectives - organisational, international relations, global governance and developmental; explore the factors impacting the future work of the GUFs with particular emphasis on the decline in union membership and geopolitical developments; and, argue for a reorientation in the work of the GUFs in response to these factors with particular emphasis on building social and political capital through educational work. This context statement also aims to draw together the main themes and arguments within the publications and explore more deeply the strategic importance of the educational work of the GUFs in building the social and political capital required to adapt to this changing environment.