General information

Code: J5-4581
Period: 1.10.2022 - 30.9.2025
Range on year: 0.18 FTE | 2022
Project leader at FDV: prof.dr. Urška Golob Podnar
Research activity: Social sciences

Abstract

Research shows that trade unions can be both a force for change and a force for continuity in the sustainability transition, proactively embracing the transition but also playing the role of inactive supporters or opponents of regulation and, in extreme cases, even denying the scientific consensus that underlines the problematic nature of climate change. Although trade unions are important stakeholders in sustainable development, their role in this context is understudied both theoretically and empirically. The aim of this project is to explore how trade unions in Slovenia engage with the sustainability transition, what tensions and challenges they face, and how they attempt to resolve perceived tensions arising from conflicts between job creation and environmental protection and workers' expectations. In addition, the project will assess workers' perspectives on the role and performance of trade unions in addressing SCP and environmental issues. To support this, the project has four main objectives: Objective 1: To position (national) trade unions as actors in research on sustainability transitions, to identify tensions and challenges for trade unions in the context of these transitions, and to explore ways in which these can be addressed. Objective 2: To present the situation in the EU Member States in terms of similarities and differences in trade union involvement in sustainability/climate change policies at a high level of analysis. Objective 3: To explore the position and functioning of trade unions in the context of sustainable transitions; their officials' positions, strategies, perceived tensions and responses to challenges related to SCP/sustainability issues. Objective 4: To analyse the nomological network (i.e. observable manifestations) at the individual/micro level, focusing on (1) union members' representations of union positioning and action in the context of sustainability transitions, (2) expectations, and (3) own position on relevant sustainability issues.

The phases of the project and their realization

In line with the main objectives outlined above, the project consists of six work packages: WP1: Project management WP2: Theoretical framework and situational analysis to guide the empirical research WP3: Trade union involvement and climate change activities in EU Member States WP4: Trade union representatives' views, strategies and activities in relation to sustainability challenges WP5: Workers' and trade union members' perceptions and expectations of the role of trade unions in addressing sustainability challenges WP6: Dissemination and communication of project results

Research Organisation

https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20029

Researchers

https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20029

Citations for bibliographic records

https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20029

Key words

industrial relations, social responsibility, sustainability transitions, sustainable consumption and production, trade unions, workers