Pan Europe: Union leaders deepen solidarity and cooperation
The trade union leaders used the occasion to evaluate the implementation of BWI’s Amandla! Program on Innovative Unionism from 2018 to 2022, and were provided with an overview of BWI’s new project design for the Vamos! Organise beyond Borders, Global Solidarity Programme for the 2023-2027 period. Also, the progress of the latter's implementation for the year was discussed, including the positive results that have been achieved so far and the obstacles encountered along the way. Trade unions in the region reported that they work in very turbulent conditions as the post-pandemic economic recovery was disrupted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which affected many countries and working people.
A number of new issues, themes, and areas were also deliberated, such as digitalisation, due diligence and climate justice. It was assessed that there is a need for information and awareness activities on the said issues to encourage unions to actively and effectively participate in sectoral discussions. The trade union leaders said that the introduction and enhancement of digitalisation at their unions are badly needed, including the development of their electronic databases and interactive platforms that would allow for the wider participation of members in discussions on acute topics, campaigns and training activities.
Best practices and innovative approaches were likewise shared by the trade union leaders, which brought a common request from them for more activities focused on exchange of experiences. Some of the experiences they want to share with one another are networking and promoting cooperation on the protection of migrant workers’ rights, and fighting gender-based violence and union busting.