The Federation of Free Workers is one of the major general trade union federations in the Philippines. It is an active and well-respected labor federation in tripartite activities and other social dialogues in the national, regional and international levels.

FFW is also considered as a national trade union center in the country considering its size and membership of eight (8) trade federations (TFs) and two (2) special sector federations. Among civil society movements, FFW is known as "the oldest trade union-social movement" in the Philippines "that is still in existence". It was founded 19 June 1950, and has 200,000 mass members in the formal and informal sectors. 80,000 members are dues-paying and covered with collective bargaining agreements.

Among the prominent affiliates of FFW with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) are in education institutions, banks, pharmaceutical and electronics companies—Ateneo de Davao, Central Philippine University, University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay, Philippine School of Business Administration, National College of Business Administration, University of San Agustin of Iloilo, Branches of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, BPI Family Bank,Philippine Clearing, CountryBankers,Malayan Insurance the Temic Semiconductor, Temic Continental, Vishay Philippines, United Pulp and Paper, Oro Port of Cagayan de Oro, Thomas National Transport, Avis, Europe cars, Mitsubishi, San Roque Metals Mining, Philippine Mining, Lepanto Mining, Delfi, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Boie Takeda, Smithkline Beecham, Astra Seneca, Hi-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Bayer Philippines, Johnson & Johnson, Interphil Laboratories, Globe Telecom, among others.