The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has launched a new digital trade unionism toolkit as a ‘one-stop shop’ to help activists navigate future challenges. 

The ‘Digital Revolution Toolkit’ is designed to equip trade union activists with the necessary tools to adapt to an era defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting socioeconomic landscapes, where unions find themselves at a critical juncture.  

The toolkit represents a synthesis of lessons learned, best practices identified, and innovative strategies devised to confront the challenges of our time. Activists can access practical tips and strategies to help unions thrive in the digital age here.

Fórsa’s digital director Kate O’Sullivan and campaigns director Kevin Donoghue contributed to its development.  

Speaking about its impact, Kate, a key contributor to its creation as a member of the ETUC committee for digital trade unionism, emphasised that the new guidance aims to help activists understand and apply digital tools to their campaigning and organising activities. “The vast majority of us spend a significant amount of time online, both personally and professionally, so trade unions must have a presence there too,” she said. “This toolkit is about sharing what works best and strengthening our movement.”  

The digital toolkit addresses a broad range of challenges, offering practical guidance on resource shortages, technological advancements, data-driven decision-making, GDPR compliance, countering far-right narratives online, member recruitment and retention, and effective online campaigning. 

The toolkit is the result of a comprehensive two-year project led by ETUC. Funded by the European Union, it aims to help national trade unions enhance their digital campaigns, boost their membership, and organise more effectively.  

Fórsa’s director of campaigns Kevin Donoghue said: “Precarious contracts, bogus self-employment and the rise of platform work are all making it harder for unions to reach workers. In parallel, the rise of the far-right poses a direct threat to the fundamental principles of social justice and workers’ rights that unions champion. Now more than ever we must be as active online as we are offline if we want to effectively organise workers.” 

The European Trade Confederation represents 45 million members from 94 trade union organisations in 42 European countries, as well as 10 European Trade Union Federations. 

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