INTRODUCTION:

The world of work is undergoing transformative changes driven by technological advancements, shifting workforce demographics, and evolving socio-economic dynamics. These changes pose new challenges and opportunities for trade unionism, requiring organizations to adapt and redefine their roles in safeguarding workers’ rights while fostering collaboration with employers.

The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and remote working tools has significantly altered traditional work environments. These shifts demand a reimagining of how unions engage with employers and workers to address emerging issues such as job displacement, upskilling, and workplace equity. Globalization and the rise of the gig economy have further complicated the labor landscape, creating non-standard employment arrangements that challenge conventional union frameworks. The course examines how unions can remain relevant by adapting to these trends and advocating for workers in both traditional and non-traditional roles.

A key focus of this training is the need for unions to build collaborative partnerships with employers, governments, and international organizations to create sustainable labor policies. It emphasizes the importance of aligning union strategies with the changing needs of workers while ensuring compliance with global labor standards.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Analyze the impact of technological advancements on the labor market and union roles.
• Explore strategies for adapting union frameworks to non-standard and gig economy employment models.
• Equip participants with tools to advocate for fair labor practices in an era of change.
• Examine collaborative approaches between unions, employers, and governments for sustainable labor relations.
• Highlight the role of digital technologies in modernizing union operations and member engagement.
• Provide insights into global labor standards and their relevance to evolving labor markets.
• Empower participants to address challenges related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in future work environments.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Module 1: Understanding the Future of Work

• Key drivers of change: technology, demographics, and globalization
• Emerging labor market trends and their implications for unions
• Challenges and opportunities for workers in the future work environment
• Case studies on workforce transformation

Module 2: Evolution of Trade Unionism

• Historical perspective on unionism and its changing role
• Adapting union frameworks to non-standard employment models
• Advocacy for gig and platform economy workers
• Lessons from innovative union strategies globally

Module 3: Technology and Digital Transformation in Unionism

• Leveraging technology for union operations and member engagement
• Digital campaigning and online negotiations
• Addressing privacy and cybersecurity concerns in digital union activities
• Tools and platforms for enhancing union efficiency

Module 4: Collaborative Approaches to Labor Relations

• Building partnerships with employers and government bodies
• Negotiating sustainable policies for equitable workforce transitions
• Aligning union strategies with global labor standards
• Enhancing collective bargaining in a rapidly changing environment

Module 5: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Future of Work

• Addressing inequalities exacerbated by technological disruptions
• Promoting inclusive labor policies for underrepresented groups
• Strategies for achieving gender equity in evolving work environments
• Practical frameworks for fostering diversity within unions

Module 6: Global Perspectives and Best Practices

• Comparative analysis of union responses to future work challenges worldwide

·       Practical Strategies for Union Leaders

• Role of international labor organizations in shaping the future of unionism
• Lessons from innovative labor relations practices in various industries
• Preparing for future trends and disruptions

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Union leaders and representatives seeking to modernize their organizations.
• Human resource and labor relations professionals.
• Representatives from international labor organizations.
• Corporate leaders aiming to foster collaborative labor relations in their organizations.

Venue: Kenya

Duration:  1 week

Date: Open