Where do we stand with the inclusion of vulnerable workers in the European labour market? Trade unions’ new and old objectives compared

Abstract

The essay investigates the role played, or that could be played, by trade unions for the inclusion of vulnerable workers in employment, in the wake of a recent propensity for diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategies adopted by several companies. In order to do so, after an analysis of DE&I strategies, the research takes into consideration the reaction of trade unions and their potential interest in these approaches. In particular, several tools used by trade unions in different European Member States are compared, such as collective bargaining, awareness-raising measures, individual support, training, collaborations with other actors, and litigations. Among these instruments, the research confirms the primary role played by collective bargaining. Lastly, a reflection is made on the relationship that is established, or could be established, between DE&I models and trade unions: a strong correlation between the two is recognised, which sometimes takes the form of a real cooperation and, in some other cases, of a true dependency.