Young unionists unite to build global youth power

The conference highlighted various barriers faced by young unionists. Their lives are often dominated by work, family responsibilities, and financial struggles. Young women trade unionists often face stigma and fear when speaking up for youth representation, especially in male-dominated industries.

Youth delegates said that the proposed statute amendments to establish a global youth committee and optional regional youth committees would bring structural change, allowing young members to break the cycle and achieve the change they seek.

Jonathan Cook, member of the global ad hoc youth working group and SEA2PAC co-chair, said:

"The world is different from 30 years ago. Trade unions must understand the new world structure that we are living in. We must organise more young workers and preserve what unions have created. Through the statute amendment, the youth will be able to bring the change that we want, stand for the change that we want - we must fight and we will win!"

Participants discussed strategies for organizing more young workers into unions, sharing good practices such as reaching out to school students, organising museum visits and tree-planting activities, using mobile apps to provide economic incentives to young workers, and forming study circles to connect with youth.
Most delegates viewed systematic education on organising young workers as extremely important.

They called for the creation of an organising academy with modules tailored to the needs of different regions. Some stressed that trade unions play a vital role in building communities and gaining community support for organising efforts.

IG Metall president and IndustriALL vice-president Christiane Benner said she herself is a product of youth structures and youth empowerment in Germany. IG Metall is committed to building stronger youth structures at national, regional, and enterprise levels.

"We must have union officials responsible for youth activities and adequate financial resources for youth structures and youth organizing."

Drawing on her experience as a former national youth committee chairperson of IG Metall, Christiane Benner added that youth structures need adequate financial resources to function effectively, as well as dedicated union officials responsible for youth work.

IndustriALL and IF Metall president Marie Nilsson said:

"Young people, you are not the future - you are the present. You are affected by the changing world of work, and you should shape the response on how a sustainable workplace looks. Organising workers across borders is trade unions' global struggle. We must do the same for young workers, as it gives the movement new energy. International solidarity is absolutely important. Please believe in change - the world needs young unionists. Please take a seat in the union movement and start to build a future around it."