Trade union

Trade unions are private organisations that in most cases act as workers’ associations. Their work focuses on external activities (above all contacts with employers and authorities) and internal matters (e.g. as a mutual assistance association) to defend the economic, social and cultural interests of their members. Trade unions may be organised by occupations or by groups of occupations. They represent a significant force as the signatories of collective employment agreements (CEA).

As professional organisations (POs), trade unions also play a role in vocational and professional education and training and carry out the following tasks:

• participation in the preparation of VET ordinances
• participation in pedagogical training courses for VET trainers
• organisation of pedagogical training courses for VET trainers