Trade Unions as Collective Actors

FES has its roots in the German workers' movement. Its mandate is to strengthen trade unions as an independent, democratic voice for all workers, formal and informal.

Trade unions are under pressure. While challenges, such as automation and digitalization, range from the changing nature of the labor market, to economic liberalization and austerity to declining membership and climate change, Trade unions struggle with undergoing relevant changes, some being, becoming younger and more feminine.

We support trade unions in making political contributions to the future of the nation’s development model and a ‘Just Transition', that is, to go beyond 'bread-and-butter' issues. We also work with the trade unions on innovative ways to include informal workers, especially women, in their organizational structures. Thirdly, we want to give a stronger voice to women and young people in the Tanzanian trade union movement.