The European Meeting Centre - Nowy Staw Foundation (EDS-FNS) in Lublin runs together with the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) an innovative training program for young trade union leaders. The participants are trade unions leaders from Ukraine, Serbia, Albania and Poland. They are developing leadership, communication and organizational skills by cooperation with constant feedback.
The program was created on the basis of analysis and research conducted at the Ignatianum University in Krakow. The trainers and experts include professors from this university who introduce young trade union leaders to the issues of contemporary leadership.
Participants are encouraged to discover their own identity as leaders by identifying key personal values, the values of their organizations and the values underlying the European Union. These values are to form the foundation for their future actions and decisions. An important element of the program is also the development of self-awareness, which allows for a better understanding of one's own motivations, strengths and areas requiring further work.
The workshops are conducted in a dynamic, engaging format, including simulations, case studies, small group work and individual reflection. As the participants emphasize, this method of work allows them not only to gain knowledge, but above all to practice specific skills – from communication and conversation to effective value-based negotiation.
The aim of the project is to support young trade union leaders in developing the skills necessary to effectively lead their organizations, as well as to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders. The program, which is part of EZA’s educational program to build up capacities of workers’ organizations to strengthen European social dialogue, consists of three three-day modules, each covering key areas of modern leadership in the trade union movement.
During the next editions, participants will work on, among other things, preventing burnout among leaders and teams, building cooperation with representatives of Generation Z, conducting value-based negotiations, selecting the appropriate leadership style, and planning their own development and that of future leaders in organizations.
The international character of the group promotes the exchange of experiences and perspectives. Participants emphasize that the workshops respond to the real challenges they face in their daily trade union work. The dynamic form of the classes and the practical approach make the program an important support in building strong, conscious and responsible leadership in European trade union structures.
EDS-FNS, in close cooperation with EZA, is creating a space for dialogue and professionalization for young leaders who will play a key role in shaping working conditions and standards of social dialogue in their countries in the future. Ignatianum, EDS-FNS and EZA are intending to develop further and continue this program in the coming years.
For further information and queries, please contact our colleague Norbert Klein.