The ICEM is a rapidly growing industry-based world labour federation dedicated to practical solidarity. It unites trade unions in its sectors on all continents. Its aim is to become a truly global trade union. Its main focuses are:

• negotiating and monitoring global agreements with multinational companies - mainly on workers' rights, equality at work and the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection worldwide
• networking trade union reps within global corporations
• coordinating solidarity and support for member unions during disputes
• union-building in countries where unions are weak or non-existent
• providing information and expertise on topics ranging from collective bargaining to health and safety standards
• representing workers' interests within the UN, its agencies and other intergovernmental bodies
• skills training and development work with trade union officers and rank-and-file union members.

The ICEM organises in a wide range of industries: Energy; Mining and Quarrying; Chemicals and Bioscience; Pulp and Paper; Rubber; Diamonds, Gems, Ornaments and Jewellery Production; Glass, Ceramics, Cement and Associated Industries; Environmental Services; Service and Miscellaneous Industries

The ICEM membership includes all employee categories within its sectors. By November 2007, the ICEM represented 467 industrial trade unions in 132 countries. Enquiries are welcomed from other unions in ICEM sectors worldwide.

The ICEM unites workers irrespective of race, nationality, gender or creed. It supports sustainable industrial development. The ICEM campaigns for the highest levels of health and safety at the workplace, and for environmentally responsible industrial products and processes. The ICEM is also committed to the global application of the best possible standards and practices - especially within multinational corporations.

Please visit the ICEM website for more information