The IUF is a world-wide federation of trade unions representing workers employed in agriculture and plantations; in the preparation and manufacturing of food and beverages; i hotels, restaurants and catering services; and in all stages of tobacco processing. Membership in the IUF is open to all bona fide, democratic trade unions, regardless of ideological or political orientation. The guiding principle of the IUF is international labour solidarity. Its purpose is to strengthen member unions through mutual support and to promote and defend trade union rights and human rights in general, as well as the right of workers to control decisions affecting their lives at work and in society.