PillACT: Empowering the next EU generation of trade unionists

The training brought together representatives from CESI youth organisations, an occasion to empower young trade unionists to contribute effectively to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and to strengthen their involvement in social dialogue and policymaking at both national and European level.

Throughout the day, participants deepened their understanding of EU social and employment policymaking, social dialogue mechanisms and the European Semester, while exploring practical ways of using the European Pillar of Social Rights in their national contexts. The training also provided tools for advocating workers’ interests, exchanging experiences and good practices, and contributing to labour-market reforms in participants’ respective countries.

Bringing the voice of young workers to the European Parliament

A major part of the programme took place at the European Parliament,where participants had the opportunity to engage directly with European policymakers on issues impacting on younger generations of workers.

The programme opened with a discussion with MEP Jana Toom, member of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, on EU initiatives addressing Quality Jobs Act, affordable housing and a just transition. CESI Youth Board and Youth Representative Antonello Pietrangeli expressed their sincere gratitude to MEP Jana Toom for sharing her knowledge, experience, and honest reflections on the state ofthe EU affairs.

Her insightful “training” and walk through the EU’s history of social policies offered much more than a lesson in European institutions: it was a genuine opportunity to understand where EU has come from, to reflect openly on the challenges it faces today, and to look with greater awareness towards the future of the European Union. Understanding the current challenges while positioning the role of social dialogue and workers’ representation at the heart of any genuine European policy plan is a truly valuable opportunity for dialogue, learning, and inspiration.

Participants also discussed the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the unique advocacy toolkit prepared by CESI for using the EPSR as a tool for trade union advocacy at national level.

The exchanges continued around several files of direct relevance to young people entering and navigating today’s labour market, including the negotiations on a new EU Traineeships Directive, psychosocial risks, stress and mental health at work, affordable housing and the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027.

The programme provided opportunities for exchanges with stakeholders, giving young trade unionists a platform to voice their concerns and bring workers’ perspectives into ongoing European debates.

Discussions during the day also addressed the changing world of work, including the implications of AI and algorithmic management, and the importance of ensuring that technological change goes hand in hand with quality employment, workers’ rights and effective social dialogue.

From European dialogue to national action

The training was not only about gaining knowledge of EU institutions and policies. A central objective of PillACT is to help young representatives translate European social rights and initiatives into concrete trade union action in their own countries.

Participants therefore explored how trade unions can engage more effectively with EU policymaking and implementation, how the EPSR can support national advocacy, and how young representatives themselves can play a stronger role in social dialogue.

An exchange with the European Youth Forum, including the policy officers Claudia Pinto and Alex Quinn, provided another opportunity to discuss youth representation and advocacy at European level. The programme concluded with a session led by Antonello Pietrangeli, CESI Youth Representative, on ways to improve trade union advocacy at national level, followed by the inauguration of the EP of Sassoli building.  

The day ultimately demonstrated the importance of connecting European policymaking with the experiences and priorities of young workers themselves. By strengthening knowledge of EU processes, building networks across borders and developing practical advocacy skills, young trade unionists are better equipped to contribute to social dialogue and to help make the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights tangible in workplaces and communities across Europe.

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