It is politically tied to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).

[2] GEFONT declares its goal to be "Socialism for the dignified working-class and prosperous life".

Trade Unions have existed in Nepal since the All Nepal Trade Union Congress was formed in 1946, but only really came into power after the collapse of the Rana dynasty in 1951 and the movement towards democracy.

At the time of its foundation, it functioned as the trade union wing of the then underground Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist).

The federation played an active role in the 1990 Jana Andolan.