This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review of the literature focuses on the role of trade unions in international development and diplomacy.
The literature reviewed includes journal articles, reports by Solidarity Support Organisations (SSOs), donor agencies, trade unions and policy documents. While there is a long history of international trade union work there is limited literature on the role of government-funded work in this space. There is almost no academic literature on best practices for how governments and donors in the Global North should engage with trade unions in the Global South.
The academic literature speaks more to transnational trade unionism, its history, and its forms with very few explorations of how government donors directly engage with trade unions on international development and diplomacy. Therefore, this review had to rely more on grey literature to answer the research questions. Additionally, due to the lack of literature on the links between trade unions and growth, this review included literature which links trade unions to outcomes such as reduction in wealth and income inequalities, increase in social protection and social dialogue that in turn were linked to improved long-term sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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