The WCL was founded in 1920 in The Hague (Netherlands). It unites 144 trade unions from 116 countries all over the world, and has over 26 million members, mainly from Third World countries. It draws its inspiration from humanist, ethical and moral values and protects the interests of workers throughout the world. Its member organizations of the South are regionally organized: the Brotherhood of Asian Trade Unionists (BATU) in Asia; the Central Latinoamericana de Trabajadores (CLAT) in Latin America and the Caribbean; and the Democratic organization of African Workers Trade Unions (DOAWTU) in Africa. The European organizations of the WCL, members or candidate members of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), consult each other regularly. The activities and presence of the WCL in North America is co coordinated by the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE). The WCL has obtained consultative status, category A, within the International Labour organization (ILO), the United Nations Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC), and other international organizations. See: European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)