Trade Union meeting

Trade Union meeting is a simulation of a meeting between an employer and employees together with their trade union representatives to negotiate wages and conditions. The issues addressed include the role of trade unions, collective bargaining in the workplace, workers’ rights. The objectives are to widen understanding about the work and role of trade unions in civil society, to develop consensus decision-making skills, and to promote participation, responsibility and solidarity.

In Trade Union meeting, participants are divided into employers and employees/trade union representatives and given a shared scenario describing a company facing economic difficulties and stalled wage negotiations. Each group prepares its position by developing proposals, defining negotiation limits, and selecting representatives to take part in the meeting. Then it’s time for a structured negotiation, chaired by an employer representative, where both sides present proposals, debate options, and attempt to reach a mutually acceptable agreement through discussion and compromise. After the role‑play, everyone takes part in a guided debriefing to reflect on negotiation dynamics, decision‑making, power balance, and the real‑world relevance of trade unions and collective bargaining.