The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia is the largest national trade union center in Russia, with a membership estimated between 28 and 31.5 million (down from 70 million at its formation). The FNPR is widely recognized as the defacto successor to the Soviet era trade unions system, although the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GFTC), as the umbrella organization of trade unions in the former Soviet Republics, is technically the equivalent of the former system.