Youth-inclusive social dialogue and collective bargaining

This practice-oriented training has been designed to empower young trade unionists across Europe to engage more effectively in social dialogue and collective bargaining processes. Held in Bucharest, Romania, the in-person component provided a dynamic space where participants explored innovative and youth-inclusive strategies in the context of collective bargaining and social dialogue. Through expert-led sessions, group activities, and real-life scenarios, participants strengthened their capacities to act as change-makers. This was followed by a dedicated online application week, enabling participants to apply the tools, methodologies, and strategies learned during the face-to-face training to real-world contexts within their organizations.

OBJECTIVES

The course aimed to build the competencies of young trade unionists in navigating and influencing collective bargaining and social dialogue, both nationally and transnationally. It equipped them to understand different bargaining models, develop data-driven organizing agendas, and design effective communication and campaign strategies. The addition of the online application week reinforced the course’s objectives by providing tailored coaching, peer exchange, and hands-on practice to translate learning into action, thereby supporting sustainable youth leadership within trade union structures.

CONTENT

The training covered a broad spectrum of content including the history and diversity of collective bargaining systems, transnational union cooperation, data-based member profiling, strategic campaigning, and rights advocacy. Special sessions address freedom of association, the right to strike, and youth-centered perspectives on employment and activism. The online follow-up week provided structured activities and mentoring to support participants in implementing their own initiatives or projects in their union contexts.

NUMBER OF HOURS: 25