Activities of the TUNI project

2-Research Phase (January 2023 – April 2023)

The project included research on the TU activists’ participation, education (based on previous research conducted within the project) and information. After investigating the main challenges, it is showcased what young TU activists are facing, as well as the development of the new educational curriculum for working with young TU members, in relation to active citizenship.

The TUNI project conducted a survey across seven countries targeting young union members aged 18-35. This survey aimed to gather insights about attitudes towards union organizing and social engagement. Using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) approach, 326 responses were collected. The survey questionnaire comprised 44 questions across seven sections, covering areas such as employment status, union membership, working rights, civic activism, and socio-demographic information. Data collection was commenced on March 20 and was concluded on April 8, following three reminder invitations due to a low response rate. The survey design adhered to ethical guidelines and received approval from the Ethical Board of the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory. National partners facilitated data collection by sharing the survey link with union members via email, social media groups, and instant messaging platforms. Despite efforts made to extend the data collection period and increase response rates, the project was concluded with 326 responses.

After the data collection, the results of the national surveys were exported, were integrated into an SPSS database and labels were translated back into English. The survey findings were used to inform the focus group, which was the second phase of the study design.

3 Focus Groups in 5 Countries

The second stage of the study was designed as primarily online single-moderator focus groups with the possibility of in-person meetings. The planned number of participants was 10 to 12 per country (Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey).

Like in the survey, the participants were selected based on a convenient (non-probability) quota sample, intending to have respondents by each country adhering to the four predefined quotas (gender, age, regions, and education), having at most 70-30% ratios.

The original focus group moderation guide was developed in English, based on survey findings, and approved after the necessary communication with the national partners. It consisted of 21 questions divided into four sections (Table 3), which were then translated into national languages.

All focus groups were done online, except the one in North Macedonia. Each partner was responsible for organizing the focus group in their country. The national partners recruited moderators and participants based on the input provided by the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory.

After the focus groups, all transcripts were translated into English and returned to the research team. Transcripts of the focus group and survey findings were used to prepare national reports and a comparative overview, which was the third phase of the study design.

Trade Union Academy for 35 young trade union leaders (Montenegro, September 2023)

The Trade Union Academy was structured around four modules, consisting of two live sessions and two online ones. The inaugural session involved the participation of the first generation, comprising 35 young trade-union (TU) leaders, with seven representatives from each participating country. The overarching goal was to equip these emerging leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster active citizenship within their communities and effectively engage within trade union structures.

The Academy, conducted in English to facilitate cross-border communication and collaboration, served as a platform for capacity building among young TU leaders. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical training, participants were empowered to leverage their roles within trade unions to enact positive societal change. Additionally, individualized action plans were developed to guide participants in implementing their newfound knowledge within their respective environments.

Study Visit in Slovenia (March, 2024)

In March 2024, the educational component of the Trade Union Academy will be enhanced with a study visit to Slovenia. This visit served as a pivotal opportunity for participants to engage in an immersive experience, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices among peers. The primary objective was to deepen their understanding on effective strategies and approaches within the trade union activism sphere.