Political framework and situation of the trade unions

Global inequality continues to rise. Even if social inequality in Europe has recently decreased again, its continuing threatening extent endangers the social and political cohesion of Europe. Youth unemployment in particular is still reaching scandalous levels. The European trade unions are confronted with drastic shifts in their traditional power resources. Unemployment, precarious employment and increasing social inequality pose significant challenges.

In Germany too, despite growth, the distribution is becoming increasingly unequal, the world of work is becoming more diverse, but also more unstable. At the same time, there is a threat of disruption from technical innovation in Industry 4.0, from digitization and artificial intelligence. Here, too, the trade unions must position themselves, both in Germany and in Europe. The platform economy will change the way we work.

The perception of inequality in Europe shapes the image of the people, at the same time most want a fairer and more social Europe. However, parts of the European population now see globalization and Europeanization more as a risk than as an opportunity. Populist and nationalist currents are very popular. The trade unions must also oppose right-wing extremism in Europe.

The central prerequisite for a social Europe are jobs from which people can actually live well. Strong and future-oriented trade unions, in turn, are the best guarantee that competitiveness, social justice and fair income can be reconciled. That is what our trade union dialogue stands for.

Particular importance is attached to our competence center “Future of Work” and the “European Trade Union Dialogue” project, which works together with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the European industry associations (ETUFs) and other organizations and institutions in Brussels.