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9. COOPERATING WITH TRADE UNIONS
Social democracy and the trade union movement share the fundamental ideology of justice,
freedom and solidarity. To join forces in this struggle has been, and still is, important.
But what is trade union–political cooperation and how does it work? How do we join
forces and still remain independent from each other? In some countries social democratic
parties were born out of trade unions. Workers decided to form a political party as an
instrument for political engagement and decision making to shape society in the interest of
the workers. Many decisions that influence workers’ lives are made at political levels and
cannot be settled in negotiations between employers and employees. Therefore it is natural
for trade unions to try to influence the political decisions of government that affect
people’s lives.
Such cooperation also benefits the politicians. We get insights into the conditions in
workers’ lives such as poor safety, unemployment, low salaries, shift work, and insecure
employment – this helps us make better decisions.
Sometimes the cooperation with us only primarily applies between blue collar worker
unions and social democratic parties, while white collar worker unions prefer to be
politically non-aligned. Sometimes there are several blue collar unions affiliated with
different left parties. And again there are many instances where all progressive
workers, blue and white-collar, join forces behind one party.
SAME GOAL – BUT DIFFERENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The party’s role is to take responsibility for the development of society, to have an
understanding of all issues in society and to make policies and priorities that are based on
the values and ideas we represent. It is important that we politicians select representatives
that reflect the citizens and the social democratic voters. Politicians with roots in the trade
union movement are a valuable resource and contribute the perspective of working life to
our policy making.
The trade unions’ role is to represent and work for their members’ improved
conditions – in the work place but also in society. Both trade unions and parties are
necessary. It is the trade unions’ responsibility to inform members and to mobilize around
different issues that are relevant to the members. Political consciousness is a high priority.
By acting jointly both become stronger.
Cooperation is part of the process. To find joint solutions, to have open debates, meeting
forums must be found. It can be at the local level where representatives meet regularly. It