Political parties and labor unions: European experience and Ukrainian realities

When? Saturday, 12 May 2017, 10.00 a.m.

Where? Kiev, Ukraine

For the EU countries, cooperation between Labor Unions and Political Parties is a usual practice, as European Labor Unions are very active in politics. From a historical point of view, Labor Unions have also often taken an active part in party-building processes.

Nevertheless, this is not the case for Ukraine.Workers have always been the driving force in the economic transformation of different countries. However, they often find themselves, much like in Ukraine, excluded from the decision-making processes and are therefore not able to defend their interests, especially when their structures are weak.

Is it possible to change the situation through learning more about the best European practices in the process of cooperation between political parties and labor unions and of joint defence of workers’ rights?

This conference, co-organised by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the Foundation Max van der Stoel (FMS) and the Institute for Democracy and Social Progress (IDSP) will bring together EU and national representatives from trade unions, political parties, public authorities and research institutions to discuss what the future lies for the nexus between political parties and labour unions. 

Check the programme