Innovating and experimenting for union renewal in Europe and beyond & Where are we at and where do we need to go?
4 December 2025, 9:30 – 17:30
Double Tree by Hilton (Rue Gineste 3, 1210 Brussels), room Pagoda, 8th floor
How can trade unions innovate and stay strong in a changing world? Join us for the launch of two new books to explore real examples and lessons from across Europe and beyond.
The book Experimenting for Union Renewal: Challenges, Illustrations and Lessons explores how experimentation can help revitalize trade unions. Using case studies from various countries and industries, leading researchers analyze examples of union innovation and share key lessons. Together, these studies provide valuable insights to guide future union renewal efforts. Across Europe, unions are representing fewer workers, mainly in the public and manufacturing sectors and face challenges organizing low-paid private service workers. Even in countries with strong support, unions risk stagnation if they do not adapt. Still, research shows that trade unions remain resilient and capable of innovation. As When Trade Unions Learn to Innovate illustrates, many new ideas arise from grassroots efforts and international collaboration.
At this joint event of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the Canadian Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work (CRIMT), leading scholars of union renewal from Europe and North America will present their latest research and discuss their findings with trade unionists from diverse sectors and backgrounds.
This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the latest innovative practices and experiments in union renewal, as featured in two recent ETUI publications — and to take part in a vital debate about the future of trade unionism.
Download the draft programme HERE.
EN-FR interpretation will be available.
ON-SITE PARTICIPATION
Please register by clicking HERE before December 1 to secure your spot in the conference room.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Please register by clicking HERE to receive the Zoom link in your email inbox.
