“IFWEA has a function rather than a niche.”
Interview with Dan Gallin, IFWEA President

What do we need IFWEA for?

We need IFWEA now more than ever, in different ways.

IFWEA was founded in 1947 during the post-war period in Europe.
There was a need to restore the institutions of the labor movement that were destroyed or suppressed during the war, as well as, to rebuild and reconstitute institutions in the Socialist movement. The founding congress in 1947 was initiated by European organizations but efforts to form an international organization of workers’ education associations date back to the 1920s. IFWEA’s membership has grown since then. It is now a world-wide organization.

The concept of IFWEA at the time of post-war Europe is different from now. The idea of IFWEA then was largely about adult education, which was aimed in lifting the consciousness of its members to improve society. In that period also, there was a social compromise in societies in Europe after the war. Capital had to compromise because the labor movement had emerged from the war stronger than before.

Today, capital has reversed this power relationship. It has now become far more dominant. In this situation, trade union education has become a much more pressing task than adult education. A major role of IFWEA is to support the trade union movement in re-arming politically and ideologically.

How do you see IFWEA’s niche in the international labor movement?

IFWEA has been a provider of worker’s education. It also has a function to build alliances between the trade union movement and other organizations like progressive NGOs at the regional and international levels.

Definitely, IFWEA has a function as an interface of trade unions and NGOs. It is building mutually reinforcing relations among these institutions through international study circles, publications and seminars, for example.

How does the interface between diverse trade unions and labor NGOs work out in IFWEA, in different continents beside Europe?

IFWEA is a worldwide and international body. Its calling is the same as that of other international labor organizations, such as Global Union Federations. The diverse composition of IFWEA is not an obstacle. In fact, it is even an advantage. Europe itself
is not homogenous, with different types of organizations and situations in each country. What is important is that the tasks are the same and that there should be a common purpose. At the regional levels, the Global Network is very much a large part of that. At the moment, IFWEA is working with Solidar on these initiatives.

What are the challenges facing IFWEA at the moment?

Our financial problem is crucial because in the past, IFWEA has been supported by one or two organizations, which will not be the case in future. It must now be supported by its affiliates on an equal basis, which means an increase in affiliation fees. Some members are unhappy at the prospect because they, like everyone else, are faced with urgent tasks and scarce resources. But there are no shortcuts and easy options if we want an effective international organization.

Are you optimistic for IFWEA’s future despite these challenges?

Of course. I am optimistic about IFWEA because it’s necessary and there are very many dedicated people in it.
 

email to IFWEA Journal: Aslak.Leesland@aof.no