The PERC SEE and NIS communication and campaign experts network meeting

The PERC SEE and NIS communication and campaign experts network meeting was organized this year in Brussels on 5-6 November 2024, as part of the project “Building Trade Union Capacity in SEE and NIS” and funded by the Swedish trade union organization Union to Union.

The meeting was divided into two parts. The first day focused on discussions regarding the ITUC and ETUC communication agenda, campaigns and communication strategies for 2025. On the second day, participants had the opportunity to attend the PERC Youth Conference "Youth Employment in the Age of Digitalization – Challenges and Opportunities for a ’Just Digitalization”.

Alain Rodriguez from the ITUC Outreach Communication Office, introduced ITUC major activities calendar to ensure early planning for affiliates to cover and participate in significant international trade union events. He also described how the department is functioning and shared some practical advice with the communications network.

Thomas Shannon, ETUC advisor, highlighted the ETUC communication strategy, emphasizing the importance of strengthening unity among trade unionists and applying pressure on European policymakers. The strategy uses digital tools, such as social media, press releases, newsletters, and websites, to reach policymakers, journalists, and the public. Key objectives include increasing visibility of ETUC policy proposals in influential media, building public support for their demands, and mobilizing affiliates.

Alain Rodriguez also presented Time for 8 (SDG 8) campaign which aims to promote trade union positions on sustainable development, to provide platform to share strong worker testimonies, to strengthen trade unions’ profile as actors of development among’ and to inspire other trade unions to engage in development policies.

Marieke Koning, ITUC Campaign officer, discussed the ITUC “For Democracy campaign”, which addresses the global erosion of rights and decline of democracy, when it fails to deliver for workers. The campaign is promoting democracy within societies, workplaces, and global institutions, with actions like petitions, global strikes, and partnerships with international organizations to advocate for workers’ rights and a new social contract.

The participants were introduced to Equal Times, a key ITUC information resource. Marta Checa, editor, explained its editorial policy, the article selection process, and potential coverage of stories from the region.

During the round table, there was an exchange of successes and difficulties in implementing union campaigns over the past year in both regions. As a result of discussions on improving the efficiency of interaction within the network, as well as with international trade centers, the following points and topics for further work were identified:

• create a communication tool to provide information about the main changes and achievements by network.
• localizing international materials for the region.
• updating information on ITUC campaigns.
The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to attend and contribute to the meeting.