Over 1,000 trade unionists representing around 200 million working people in over 130 countries have gathered in Australia for the global workers’ parliament.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) World Congress brings together over 300 national trade unions every four years to set the global agenda for trade unions.

Debate will centre on the theme of a new social contract: climate-friendly jobs, workers’ rights, just wages, social protection, equality and inclusion.

Delegates were welcomed by ITUC President Ayuba Wabba (NLC Nigeria), Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) President Michelle O’Neil, and ACTU Secretary Sally McManus who said: “We are in the fight our lives here to finally win new rights for working people after years of anti-union governments, and we're lifted by the energy in this room of the international trade union movement."

Based on the draft statement, the Congress will debate the future policies of the ITUC with a focus on lessons from global shocks, technology and impacts on work, an inclusive union movement and climate and just transition.

The ITUC World Congress ends on 22 November and can be watched live here and followed via #ITUC22 on social media.