Democracy At Work
#92 – July 2024
Union Syndicale Fédérale is proud to present you our new edition of Agora Magazine which focus on democracy at work. This edition is chaired by our colleague Carlo Scano, as editor in chief. As he indicated in his editorial, democracy, the cornerstone of our political systems, ensures power is distributed among people, reflecting the collective will. As society evolves, this principle is increasingly advocated within workplaces, where many spend a significant portion of their lives. ‘Democracy at work’ envisions a shift from traditional hierarchical models to a structure where decision-making is decentralised, employees have a real voice, and power is more equitably distributed. This approach aligns with values of equity and justice and yields practical benefits like increased productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.
For trade unions, this edition is particularly important as it underscores the critical role they play in promoting workplace democracy. By championing these principles, trade unions can help bridge the gap between management and employees, ensuring workers have a genuine say in their work and well-being decisions. However, implementing workplace democracy is challenging, requiring cultural change and a willingness from management to relinquish some control.
As broader social trends push for greater rights and equality, extending democratic principles to the workplace becomes a natural extension of these aspirations. This concept is not just a lofty ideal but a practical path to a more equitable and prosperous future for all, especially within the European and international civil service, where social dialogue remains essential yet challenging. Trade unions are vital in this transformation, advocating for a working environment that upholds democratic values, promotes equity, and enhances the quality of public services offered to citizens.
Have a nice reading !
The balance between justice and democracy
It is this rule of law that makes it possible, in a democratic organization, to offer freedoms to everyone, freedoms that are limited only by where others' freedoms begin
Democracy at work: the prize or the price to pay
The trade union collectivises workers' concerns, partly rebalancing the unequal power relations and thus enabling real participation and democracy at work.
Building a Democratic Workplace
Union Syndicale is the most representative union at the Council and recently secured a majority in the Staff Committee. However, this is not merely a victory, it carries with it serious duties and responsibilities.
Let’s Open The European Civil Service to Socio-Economic Diversity
This article points out a blind spot in our approach to the subject of the social diversity of civil servants in the EU
Additional Fight: Confronting Employer Interference
The recurring anti-union attack on trade unionists in the European institutions, which directly affects the very organization of trade unions, is the “6-year rule”.
Democracy and democracy at work
Even if work were to disappear, as (generally) did slavery, we will still need a democratic way of making collective decisions in our societies
Global Cultures’ Influence on Democracy at Work
This article explores how various regions implement workplace democracy, providing specific examples to illuminate the universal appeal and effectiveness of these practices.
Democratic Style in The European Commission
So how does the European Commission apply its so-called democracy, and in particular its social dialogue relations with the "intermediary bodies"
The Heavy Burden of Legal Costs
The States are obligated to ensure that legal aid systems are in place to guarantee that all individuals regardless of their financial status, have access to justice
FRONTEX: Transitioning to a more democratic workplace has started
Now is the time to strengthen Frontex by engaging the USB to open up new opportunities and ways for staff to have a say in how their organisation is run.
Development cooperation: Evolution, New Actors and Democracy
European values such as democracy, human rights, good governance and environmental sustainability have historically been at the heart of the European Union's development cooperation