Advising and strengthening trade unions internationally
Collaboration between private-sector actors and development cooperation has a long tradition. By contrast, collaboration between development cooperation and trade unions is still in its infancy. One important step was the 2023 policy statement issued by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). This sets out a commitment to incorporate trade union perspectives more strongly into development cooperation.
Drawing on their many years of experience as social partners and as representatives of workers’ interests, German trade unions are supporting the partner countries of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). On the ground, they are helping to ensure decent working conditions, to establish dialogue between management and labour, and to strengthen economic participation.
Where trade unions are making a global impact: AWE as a partner
The Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) is the central point of contact for German trade unions wishing to launch or expand international projects. Our experts work directly with the trade unions.
As so-called union scouts, they advise the trade unions on the funding opportunities provided by the German Government for trade union engagement in developing countries and emerging economies.
The union scouts scheme is based on the Business Scouts model. Also assigned by AWE on behalf of GIZ, the union scouts act as contact persons in chambers of commerce and business associations. There are union scouts at the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), the German Education Union (GEW), the German metalworkers’ union (IG Metall) and the German union for mining, chemistry, and energy workers (IGBCE).
What we do for trade unions in development cooperation
- Identify opportunities: We identify ways in which trade unions in developing countries and emerging economies can be strengthened – from decent working conditions to co-determination and participation.
- Direct contacts: Our experts at DGB, GEW, IG Metall and IGBCE are closely attuned to the needs of trade unions and support them in their projects.
- Tailored advice: We identify suitable funding programmes and financing options, and connect trade unions with appropriate partners – always in line with the union's strategic goals.
- From the initial idea to the project: We support the entire process – proposal, strategy or project design – and facilitate access to funding and partnerships.
- Joint development: Together with trade unions, we develop practical project ideas that have a real impact and can be integrated into existing structures. Implementation is handled by experienced organisations such as sequa gGmbH.
- Support during implementation: We also provide advisory support during ongoing projects and ensure that initiatives have a lasting impact.
