Insight for unions

Our insight work is designed to give unions practical research to help them navigate change.  We look for ideas, examples and from unions and related organisations which will help give unions ideas to help them build their union for tomorrow. 

In the digital age, unions must adopt technology to stay relevant and build power. This includes choosing tools that meet member needs, like e-learning, virtual events, and social media for organising. Ethical AI and data analysis, with GDPR-compliant databases, are also key.

To adapt to the changing needs of workers and use their limited resources effectively, unions may need to prioritise activities and build staff capacity. This ensures a pipeline of skilled people to lead the union in the future.

Change is reshaping the labor market, with declining and emerging industries. Our ability to continue to be relevant depends on organising new sectors and types of members. 

Traditional union democracy may no longer effectively reflect worker voice due to low-turnout elections and in-person conferences. Considering workplace changes, what new structures can encourage diverse member engagement through networks, social media, and surveys?

Public sector union density and collective bargaining coverage significantly Unions must advocate for government policies supporting collective bargaining for a modern economy, and build capacity to adapt and implement effective bargaining models.