Every trade union talks about the future, and the future begins with the young workers who join our unions today.
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to speak at a workshop of the Pakistan Labour Academy on the topic of Power Resource Approach. During one session, many young trade unionists proudly shared the achievements of their unions. What impressed me most was that they never claimed those achievements as their own. Instead, they proudly acknowledged the people who had guided and supported them throughout their journey. Listening to them made me think about something much bigger.
Every time I organize a workers’ gathering, I notice one thing. There are many young workers present. They have passion, new ideas and a strong desire to improve their lives. Yet I still ask myself one question:
if trade unions have so many young workers, why are they not even stronger?
Many young people join a union for the same reason. They want to protect their jobs, receive fair wages, enjoy decent work with dignity and a secure future. When they first start working, most of them stay quiet and avoid conflict in the workplace. But after facing unfair treatment, delayed wages, discrimination or unsafe working conditions, they realize that staying silent will not solve their problems. That is often the moment they decide to contribute to the union cause.
Joining a union is an important first step, but contributing to the union is another challenge. Many young workers are willing to do more, but they hold themselves back. From my own experience, I have learned that the first fear comes from within. You start questioning whether you are good enough or whether you should keep going. Then comes the fear of management or the employer, who may try to discourage you. Sometimes, even the people closest to you may tell you that it is not worth speaking up or getting involved.
But every one of these fears can be overcome. If your intention is to support workers and strengthen your union, never let fear stop you from contributing.
Another fear often remains unspoken. Many young workers worry that experienced trade union leaders may think they are trying to take someone’s place or interfere in matters beyond their role. In reality, this fear is unnecessary.
Young workers do not want to replace experienced leaders. They simply want to play their part, learn from their experience and strengthen the movement. Like every generation before them, they will make mistakes, but mistakes can be corrected through guidance, patience and shared experience.
The strongest trade unions are those where experienced leaders share their wisdom and young workers bring new energy, ideas and commitment. This partnership is what keeps the movement alive and moving forward.
Today’s labour movement is very different from the past. Privatization, outsourcing, contract employment and other neoliberal policies are changing the world of work. Employers have become more flexible in reducing labour costs, while workers often face greater insecurity. Trade unions cannot respond to these new challenges by using only old methods. They need new ideas, new skills and young people who understand today’s workplaces and modern strategic ways of organizing.
A young worker who truly cares about the trade union movement contributes because they believe in the cause, not because they are seeking a position or personal recognition. A few words of encouragement can make that journey even stronger.
No one starts as a perfect trade unionist. Every leader begins by taking the first step. Every young worker has something valuable to offer. One person can write. Another can design posters. Someone can manage social media or create videos. Others can organize workers, collect information, speak to new members or help plan campaigns. Every skill has value when it is used for workers’ rights.
Young workers will play a decisive role because they are the next generation that will carry the movement forward. If you have knowledge, share it. If you have a skill, use it. If you have ideas, speak up with respect. Every small contribution makes the movement stronger.
Those who came before us planted the seed of this movement through years of struggle and sacrifice. It is now our responsibility to keep watering it with our commitment so that it grows into a stronger and bigger tree for future generations.
You do not need a designation to make a difference. The greatest honour is not the title written beside your name. The greatest honour is knowing that you chose to stand with workers, defend justice and help build a stronger future for the next generation. We are the next generation of the trade union movement. Let us honour the sacrifices of those who came before us by building an even stronger movement for those who will come after us.