Discrimination and Intersectionality: Trade Union’s Action in Europe

Intersectionality is a conceptual tool that has proven useful in recognizing the different and interconnected dimensions of discrimination. Instead of relying solely on single-axis frameworks, which focus on one dimension of discrimination at a time (e.g. gender or ethnicity or disability), an intersectional approach caters to the multidimensionality of people’s experiences and identities.

From activism to academic studies, the intersectional approach has spread in the principles of various international conventions and treaties and in policy field at national and supranational level (e.g. EU), with references to "multiple" or intersectional discriminations.

Trade unions are important non-discrimination actors that make an essential contribution in this area. They typically have well-organised structures and TU representatives in the workplace can draw on the expertise of their sectoral and national officers and offices, giving them the potential to effect wider societal change through their non discrimination actions.

An intersectional approach to trade union action must consider three levels: collective bargaining and social dialogue (collective agreements, participation in the decision making process, etc.), internal organization and "inclusive" trade unions (training of trade unionists and cultural change, participation of workers and minority groups, etc.), the relationship with civil society organizations (awareness campaigns, community organizing, etc.).

The paper is based on the results of the TUAD project (Trade Unions against Discrimination), promoted by ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation), carried out by interviews, learning seminars and analysis of “good practices”. It presents a theoretical reflection on the relationship between intersectionality and trade union action at different levels (collective bargaining and industrial relations, advocacy for social rights, relations with public institutions) and an analysis of specific trade union action to detect and combat intersectional discrimination in the workplace and in society.