Trade union practices on non-discrimination and diversity 2019 : follow-up to the 2010 study : final report

This study on the non-discrimination and diversity practices of trade unions, undertaken by ICF in 2018 on behalf of the European Commission's DG Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). This is a follow-up study and provides an updated, qualitative analysis of trade union practices and/or initiatives with respect to non-discrimination and diversity in Europe. The study covered trade union actions aimed at combating discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as those related to several forms of discrimination or multiple discrimination. Non-discrimination practices solely addressing gender-based and age-based discrimination were not included in the study. Gender-based discrimination was considered only in the context of other grounds of discrimination, e.g. intersectionality related to gender/religion, gender/race, gender/sexual orientation. The study methodology was based on desk research of existing studies and documentation, a survey of trade unions across the EU and case studies of 21 trade union practices. A total of 80 relevant practices were identified from the 2010 report, while the current desk research and the survey found 109 'new' practices. Those addressing discrimination on the grounds of race and/or ethnicity, together with initiatives addressing multiple discrimination, were most prevalent, followed by measures combating discrimination on the grounds on sexual orientation and gender identity. Few measures singled out discrimination on the grounds of religion and/or belief as a specific focus. The study was guided by a Steering Committee, composed of representatives of the European Commission, European cross-sectoral and sectoral trade unions, and ICF. The study was also supported by a panel of external experts.