Coalition building: trade union dialogues with civil society

In addition to the institutionalised sectoral and central 'social dialogues' with the employers' organisations at European level, trade unions are devoting increasing efforts to social dialogue with other civil society actors as a means of promoting improved social and ecological standards in the world of work. These efforts at cooperation are not always free of conflict. One prerequisite for successful coalition building between trade unions and NGOs is mutual acceptance of their different social goals. The presence of 'bridge persons' in the respective partner organisations can also be a significant factor of success. An important role is played, finally by the political environment, in particular, the preparedness of state or supra-state bodies to offer trade unions and NGOs opportunities to participate in decision-making.