0
countries engaged
in dialogue and action on the responsible investment of workers capital
0
participants
including labour activists and asset owner board members
$
0
Trillion
in private pension assets
in OECD countries, representing an average asset-to-GDP ratio of 49.6 percent
Understanding the Power of Workers’ Capital
Workers’ capital refers to workers’ deferred retirement savings, as accumulated in collective funds such as pension plans, strike funds and benefit plans. Through this capital, workers are the indirect owners of a substantial portion of the world’s equities.
The CWC connects labour activists and asset owner board members through collaborative action and knowledge sharing in the field of workers’ capital. It is a joint initiative of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the Global Unions Federations (GUFs) and the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD (TUAC).
The CWC supports both unions and worker-nominated, asset owner board members in upholding workers’ rights when workers’ capital is invested in global markets.

The CWC Workers’ Capital Conference
The annual conference provides a collaborative space for trade union representatives and labour-nominated trustees to discuss strategies and perspectives on elevating fundamental labour rights in the investment chain. Registration is exclusive to participants who are affiliated with a trade union.
Click below to find out more about the next CWC Workers’ Capital Conference.

Resources from the CWC
Baseline Expectations for Asset Managers on Fundamental Labour Rights
How can pension funds, foundations and religious investors connect with asset managers to ensure their workers’ capital is being stewarded to progress workers’ rights? This framework draws from international labour and human rights documents to guide expectations and good practices.
Shared Prosperity: The Investor Case for Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
“Shared Prosperity” outlines how the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) establish investors’ responsibilities to uphold human rights, including fundamental labour rights.
Asset Manager Accountability Reports
The CWC analyses the policy interventions, shareholder engagements, proxy voting records and stewardship practices in alternative investment portfolios of large global asset managers. We convene asset owner board members who are clients of these managers in meetings to elevate labour issues.
Company Engagement
The CWC conducts research, coordinates investor initiatives on sustainability issues and encourages a community of practice among trade union trustees engaging companies on responsible investment issues.
Meet the Secretariat
The CWC’s work is led by a Leadership Team of trade union leaders from North America, Australia and Europe, as well as the Chair and Co-Chairs of the Networked Secretariat. This work is further supported by the CWC Secretariat, which is based out of SHARE.