The European Union has pledged millions to strengthen social dialogue across its member states—a vital initiative to enhance collaboration between workers, employers, and governments. Yet, at the grassroots level, unions remain underfunded and under-resourced, receiving little direct support for capacity building. This leaves them disadvantaged in key areas such as research, international representation, and improving their overall services.

While some suggest that unions can access funding through EU programmes like the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), this is rarely a practical solution. Experience shows that the bulk of such funding is directed toward governments, leaving unions unable to compete on a level playing field. This systemic imbalance undermines the EU’s goal of strengthening social dialogue, as unions struggle to advocate effectively for workers in a labour market undergoing rapid transformation.

The challenges unions face are further compounded by technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI). How can unions keep pace with the impact of AI in the workplace, let alone utilize AI themselves, without the financial means to engage experts and develop bespoke solutions? The ability to harness such technologies is no longer optional—it is essential to understanding complex labour dynamics, improving negotiations, and safeguarding workers’ rights in an increasingly automated world.

To address this gap, UHM Voice of the Workers is proposing the establishment of a dedicated EU agency tasked with supporting unions in their capacity-building efforts. Such an agency would ensure that funds aimed at improving social dialogue directly reach unions, enabling them to invest in critical areas like digital transformation, legal expertise, and workforce training.

This proposal is not merely about assisting unions but about safeguarding the future of social dialogue itself. Without well-supported unions, labour relations risk becoming one-sided, diminishing the EU’s efforts to create a fair and equitable workforce.

If the EU truly values social dialogue as a cornerstone of its labour policy, it must commit to targeted support for unions. A dedicated agency is not just an administrative solution—it is a strategic investment in Europe’s labour market, equipping unions to address future challenges and empowering workers across the continent.