Effective, empowered and modernised trade union representation

Trade union collaboration forms an integral part of FES initiatives in Sri Lanka. It seeks to facilitate the development of capacity among young and second-level trade union activists; inspire knowledge on international labour standards and related advocacy skills; and to promote union organising and representation strategies. It also focuses on enhancing joint trade union initiatives on issues of common interest. In its endeavours FES initiatives emphasise on respect for principles of trade unionism, commitment to the defence of rights, creation of empowered, informed and democratic organisational structures as cross cutting issues. The ultimate aim of the collaboration is focused towards the pragmatic modernisation of trade unions in strength, vision and functioning in keeping with the emerging developments.

In realising its objectives, FES has developed a series of print and electronic trade union education materials targeting middle and bottom-level union activists and ordinary workers. They cover issues such as international labour standards, collective bargaining, trade union principles, trade union rights, etc..

FES collaborates with a wide range of public and private sector trade unions from all parts of the country. These unions represent the industrial, commercial, EPZ, plantation, State services and the informal sector. The FES has bi-lateral and multi lateral collaborations with partner trade unions.

FES initiatives in the years 2010-2011 developed change agents for the modernisation of trade unions by building capacity among middle-level trade union activists and functionaries of various partner unions. Through these initiatives, several partner unions have fostered young activists to assume decisive roles in trade unions.

During the last two years, trade union partners have engaged issues relating to asserting workers rights, ensuring compliance with labour laws and promoting international labour standards and strengthening collective bargaining. A series of trainings, workshops and seminars were conducted in this regard. Some of these initiatives addressed specific concerns of EPZ and hotel sector workers. Issues of Gender equality in trade unions were also engaged in the same period and as a result, several females now perform key union functions in partner unions.

Two dialogue and information periodicals were published by trade union partners in the in the year 2011 in the EPZ and health sector in order to facilitate an open and inclusive discourse on issues that pertain to the respective sectors and the general working class as a whole. This has stimulated interest in union activities and workers’ rights issues among the workers in these sectors.