Trade Union Cooperation

Trade unions fight for good work, social justice, and social security. They represent the interests of employees and are a central actor in the economy and society. As the world of work continues to evolve, they ensure that the rights of employees are protected. This makes them an important ally of social democracy. With our work, we support the dialogue between trade unions and the political class and promote the exchange of perspectives and ideas.

Without unions there can be no social democracy. Trade unions are an essential part of our economic system and a pillar of social democracy. They fight for better wages, working conditions and rights for employees. They are active as dialogue partners in collective bargaining or, if necessary, fight for the interests of employees through strikes. For a fact, there is no good work without unions.

Collective bargaining coverage and the level of organization are decreasing, and the speed of change is increasing. Hence, unions face major challenges. The number of employees whose employment relationships are subject to a collective agreement has been declining for a long time. The same applies to the level of organization in many industries. Fewer and fewer employees are benefiting from collectively agreed wages.

Trade unions are the cornerstone of social democracy and therefore also an important partner for the work of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. As a platform for trade union issues, we support the exchange of knowledge between political and trade union actors. At workshops, conferences, and educational events, we highlight challenges, develop, and discuss new ideas. Through studies and other scientific expertise, we create the basis for fact-oriented debates. Our goal is to strengthen the perspective of employees in public and political discourse.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nigeria together with its partners (Organised Labour, Civil Society and Employers’ Associations) actively encourages and maintains a debate on socially just and sustainable alternatives to the current development model. The Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on the extractive crude oil industry and its revenues.

FES supports the knowledge creation and campaign for a diversification of the economy and especially on the environment friendly and labour-intensive reindustrialisation of the country. With its partners, FES encourages the national and international debate on appropriate trade regimes, industrial policies, labour market regulation.

We consider the organised labour as a key player in the fight for democratisation, fair economic development, decent work, gender equity, just transition and social justice. FES accompanies the Trade Unions in their transformation to become more effective and equitable organisations, fostering the agency of women and youth within unions, and to adjust to the changing realities of the labour market. We provide platforms for exchange, analysis, research, and targeted trainings. FES helps the Labour movement and associations from the informal sector to oppose exploitation and to find improved answers to promote pro-poor development.

By bringing important stakeholders like Civil Society, Trade Unions, academics, and Government representatives together, FES sensitises, builds capacity, conducts research and supports campaigns on issues like Social Protection, Climate Change and Socio Ecological Transformation, Just Transition, Equality and Equity, Tax Justice and decent work.