Integrative Review on Trade Unions and Sustainability

In an open-access article published in the reputable Wiley journal Sustainable Development—one of the most recognised journals in the field of sustainability research—Branko Bembič, Urša Golob and Klement Podnar shed light on an important yet previously fragmented area of inquiry: the role of trade unions in sustainability transitions. Although numerous international policy documents highlight trade unions as key actors in delivering a just transition, academic literature on their role has largely remained uncoordinated and dispersed across various theoretical and disciplinary traditions.

The authors present the first comprehensive integrative review of 110 peer‑reviewed articles published between 1997 and 2025. Their analysis shows that interpretations of trade union strategies in the context of sustainability vary significantly depending on the theoretical perspective adopted by individual researchers. Whether trade unions are portrayed as cautious defenders of the existing system, as actors embedded within growth‑driven structures, or as potential agents of socio‑ecological transformation greatly influences how their actions are assessed. The so‑called “labour versus environment” dilemma proves to be a highly complex question, shaped by intertwined structural conditions, sectoral identities, political traditions and internal organisational dynamics.

A key contribution of the article is its meta‑theoretical framework, which reveals how different research traditions emphasise distinct dimensions of the labour–environment relationship and how these choices influence the evaluation of trade union strategies. The authors also note that existing research remains strongly focused on the Global North, despite the fact that some of the most innovative approaches to just transition originate from the Global South—highlighting the need for broader comparative studies.

At a time of rapid climatic and socio‑economic change, the role of trade unions is becoming increasingly significant. Their ability to balance workers’ interests with environmental imperatives will be crucial in determining the fairness and success of sustainability transitions. The article contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), and offers valuable insights for researchers and policymakers working on the future of work and sustainability.

The open‑access article Trade Unions and Sustainability: An Integrative Review is available at DOI: 10.1002/sd.70698.