Twenty-three young trade unionists from across India gathered in New Delhi for a four-day training programme focused on organising, campaigning, and strengthening outreach to young workers, especially those in informal and precarious jobs.
The Indian Youth Leadership Academy, organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ITUC–Asia Pacific, and four ITUC-affiliated national centres in India — the Indian National Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Self Employed Women’s Association, and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of India — offered a mix of workshops and hands-on learning.
A major part of the programme was a street-level organising exercise in New Delhi, where participants spoke with hotel staff, street vendors, and platform workers about their daily struggles. These interactions gave the young unionists a closer look at the realities faced by workers in insecure jobs and helped them practise structured conversations, build trust, and reflect on how unions can better reach the unorganised.
During the workshop sessions, the training focused on practical skills to support union organising and leadership. Participants explored how to map decision-makers, plan campaigns, speak publicly with confidence, and communicate persuasively. The sessions also encouraged critical thinking about how unions can become more inclusive, especially for young workers. Rather than offering abstract theory, the workshops were grounded in real-life scenarios drawn from union contexts.
The programme culminated in the presentation of campaign plans developed by the participants. These addressed a range of issues, including unsafe working conditions, lack of protections in informal employment, and the absence of young voices in union decision-making. Drawing on lessons from the sessions and fieldwork, participants outlined concrete steps for organising within their sectors and communities.
Leaders from INTUC, HMS, SEWA, and CFTUI joined parts of the programme to share experiences from their federations and encourage the participants to take on greater responsibility. They stressed the importance of intergenerational leadership and expanding organising efforts beyond traditional workplaces. The International Labour Organization also participated in the discussions, with ILO ACTRAV highlighting the urgency of youth-led organising in an era of rising informality and job insecurity.
“Supporting young leaders and creating space for them to learn from each other is critical to the future of our movement. This group showed real drive and a commitment to building a just future of work,” said Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC–Asia Pacific. “Leadership is not about titles; it’s about action — and these young organisers are stepping up.”
The Academy closed with renewed calls to invest in young organisers as unions adapt to shifting labour realities. The initiative reflects a broader effort by trade unions in India and globally to strengthen youth organising and rebuild grassroots power.
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