Trade Unions Vs Populism
Fortifying Democracy: The Power of Trade Union Education
Trade unions are defenders of workers’ rights, and stand firm against the growing influence of far-right and undemocratic populist movements across Europe. Trade union education is a vital tool in safeguarding democratic values and countering divisive ideologies.
Trade union education involves providing training and resources to union members to empower them, improve their understanding of industrial relations processes, and equip them with advocacy skills. It covers topics such as employment law, collective bargaining, health and safety, organising, economics and communication. It aims to foster solidarity, strengthen the labour movement, and promote social and economic justice. It aims to stamp out racism.
In contrast, far-right and populist groups frequently exploit societal divisions and economic uncertainties to garner support, often vilifying immigrants and minorities while seeking to undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions like trade unions, public institutions and NGOs.
The politics of populism espouses a divisive “Them vs Us,” “Me First” narrative, which is antithetical to democratic principles that put all of us first. Trade unions actively confront this divisive narrative.
Empowering Workers Through Knowledge and Skills
Trade union education equips workers with the tools and understanding to challenge populist rhetoric and engage in informed civic participation. It encourages critical thinking. By imparting training in democratic principles, human rights, and social justice, programmes offered by institutions like SIPTU College empower workers to advocate for inclusive policies and confront discriminatory practices.
Furthermore, such education fosters a sense of community and mutual support among workers, reinforcing that their interests are best served through collective action. It disrupts the cycle of alienation that often leads people into the clutches of political snake oil salesmen aiming to exploit their vulnerabilities.
Strengthening Collective Bargaining Power
Collective bargaining is the process where workers negotiate as a group with their employer to reach agreements on wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.
Trade union education enhances the collective bargaining power of workers. Through training in negotiation techniques and workplace organisation, workers are enabled to address grievances effectively and improve working conditions. This not only benefits the economic well-being of workers but also bolsters the stability and resilience of democratic politics.
The Importance of Representation
Various studies (see video below) have underscored the notion that actively engaged workers are less susceptible to the appeals of populist politics, which thrive on disenfranchisement and exclusion.
Most shop stewards, serving as the frontline representatives of union members at the workplace level, innately possess a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in political processes. They have to!
Workplace reps navigate the intricate dynamics of workplace representation daily, grappling with diverse perspectives and competing interests to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
As such, they appreciate the challenges faced by elected officials and policymakers in addressing the multifaceted issues affecting workers and communities.
Shop stewards recognise that compromise, deal-making, and negotiation are integral components of any effective political process, and they acknowledge the absence of a simplistic magic wand solution to societal challenges.
Their first-hand experience underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and pragmatic approaches in advancing the interests of working people, both within the workplace and in the broader political arena.
Strengthening Trade Unions Strengthens Democracy
Sadly across developed economies, unionisation rates have been declining, leaving half of European workers without representation in workplace decision-making. This lack of workplace democracy clearly undermines broader democratic culture.
Strengthening collective bargaining in workplaces can be a crucial step in addressing the rise of populism. Our government can take steps to do this by, for example, effectively implementing the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in line with the Final Report of the LEEF High-Level Working Group on Collective Bargaining.
Likewise, unions are committed to continuing the work of organising to increase union density and build on the education and training they provide. The state should actively foster an environment conducive to this endeavour, not only as a measure against populism but also for numerous other beneficial reasons outlined elsewhere.
Video: Workplace Democracy expert Professor Stan De Spiegelaere in conversation with SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley on how trade union participation is good for democracy. (2021)
Dan O’Neill is an educator and workers’ rights advocate. He works as a Tutor and Learning Coordinator in SIPTU College. He holds an M.A. in Public Affairs and Political Communication from Technological University Dublin and a B.A. from University College Dublin. Dan has worked full-time with Amnesty International in the field of equality and human rights education. He has also worked in the Oireachtas (The Irish Parliament) and was previously the Deputy President of the Union of Students in Ireland.
Dan writes here in a personal capacity. Book and film reviews are not necessarily an endorsement of all of the views contained within the items reviewed.
