Trade unions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Whereas the pandemic has laid bare the many dimensions of decent work deficits in the world of work, workers have also relied on trade unions to enhance job and income security, and access to social protection.

Despite all the restrictions during the pandemic, trade unions assisted workers and their families in different ways, ranging from legal advice, setting up of emergency funds, awareness-raising campaigns, modified training programmes and advocacy on recognition of COVID-19 as employment injury, to the use of social media.

Around 80% of countries worldwide used social dialogue, tripartite and/or bipartite, as part of the response to the COVID-19 crisis. The most frequent topics of negotiation have been social protection and employment measures, industrial relations, occupational safety and health (OSH), and fiscal measures.

Trade unions have found innovative ways to reach out to new members and contribute to crisis responses through social dialogue. Here are two examples.

Swedish trade unions

Swedish trade unions have attracted new members after successfully negotiating with retail employers to avoid lay-offs and protect workers’ wages during the crisis.

While many organizing activities have been put on hold, the unions have continued to reach out to new members over telephone and through social media.

Georgian Trade Unions Confederation

During the pandemic, the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation campaigned to help informal workers meet eligibility criteria and enhance the digital literacy they need to access governmental crisis support.

Source: https://www.ilo.org/infostories/es-ES/Stories/Labour-Relations/trade-unions#wher