The vote took place at the 5th ITUC World Congress in Melbourne, Australia – the global workers’ parliament where nearly 1,000 trade unionists from over 120 countries met to set the global agenda for trade unions.

After his election, Luca Visentini said: “I feel incredibly proud to have this opportunity to lead the ITUC and to represent the voice of working people on the world stage. Thank you for putting your trust in me.

“I pay tribute to Sharan Burrow for her amazing leadership of the ITUC. Her achievements, together with her amazing team, speak for themselves and she has built a strong and respected organisation that is truly the global voice of workers.

“But I realise that this is a historically difficult time for working people. The world is on the brink of an economic downturn and working people are on the frontline of this. Many people are already living through the consequences.

“Peace and democracy are under threat and emerging far right movements are putting human, workers’ and trade union rights at high risk.

“But we know what is needed. The ITUC will lead the call for a new economic model based on a new social contract. We want climate-friendly jobs, workers’ rights, just wages, social protection, equality and inclusion. This must be at the centre of the plans of all governments.

“This is about social justice, peace and survival, and I will not rest in fighting for this for working people. Defending fair living and working conditions for all people is the best way to build democracy and peace all over the world.”