As of 2005[update], it had 287 member organisations in 124 countries, representing a combined membership of more than 10 million workers.

The IFBWW held a congress every four years, consisting of delegates from the member organisations.

The congress established priorities and strategy for the organisation, and elected the Executive Committee.

As supreme governing body during the intercongress period, it was responsible for all policies and operations of the IFBWW.

At its congress in Buenos Aires on 9 December 2005 the IFBWW merged with the World Federation of Building and Wood Workers (WFBW) to create a new joint global union federation, the Building and Wood Workers' International.