Report on the Critical Role of Trade Unions in Upholding Democracy and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the integral connection between free trade unionism, democratic stability, and the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing from historical analysis and contemporary observations presented at the Kentucky State AFL-CIO convention, it underscores that the protection of labor rights is fundamental to achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

The Indispensable Role of Trade Unions in Sustaining Democracy and Advancing SDG 16

Insights from the Kentucky State AFL-CIO Convention

In a farewell address, President Emeritus Bill Londrigan of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO articulated a critical challenge for the modern labor movement: the necessity of expanding its focus from traditional economic concerns to the active defense of democratic institutions. This shift is paramount in an era of increasing threats to democratic norms.

• Unions as a Manifestation of Democracy: Mr. Londrigan asserted that free trade unions are a tangible expression of a functioning democracy, embodying the principle of collective action and free association.
• A Foundational Link: He argued that the existence of democratic, free unions is a prerequisite for a democratic society itself, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 16 to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• A Call to Action: The address served as a call for union members to recognize and actively protect their role in the broader democratic framework, ensuring the sustainability of just and peaceful societies for future generations.

A Historical Case Study: The Erosion of SDG 8 and SDG 16 in Nazi Germany

The speech drew a stark parallel to the destruction of Germany’s Weimar Republic, where the suppression of the labor movement was a key step in the consolidation of authoritarian power. This historical precedent serves as a cautionary tale regarding the fragility of institutions that protect labor rights and democratic principles.

The Persecution of Labor Leadership: The Case of Gustav Schiefer

The experience of Gustav Schiefer, a Munich labor leader, exemplifies the violent dismantling of civil society and the rule of law. His persecution highlights a systematic violation of human rights and an attack on the institutions central to SDG 16.

1. Initial Attack: In March 1933, Nazi paramilitaries ransacked the German Trade Union Association headquarters in Munich, initiating a campaign of terror.
2. Brutalization and Imprisonment: Schiefer was severely beaten, arrested, and imprisoned for his role as a union leader and his anti-Nazi stance.
3. Refusal to Comply: Upon refusing to cooperate with the Nazi regime, he was subjected to further torture, resulting in a serious brain injury.
4. Incarceration: Following his hospitalization, he was transferred to Stadelheim Prison and later, in 1944, to the Dachau concentration camp.
5. Post-War Reconstruction: After the collapse of the Nazi regime, Schiefer resumed his work, contributing to the rebuilding of the trade union movement and democratic political structures, embodying the resilience required to restore strong institutions.

The Subjugation of Labor and the Violation of SDG 8

The Nazi regime systematically replaced independent unions with the “Labor Front,” a state-controlled entity that eliminated the core tenets of decent work as outlined in SDG 8.

• Elimination of Collective Bargaining: The regime outlawed collective bargaining, replacing it with “labor trustees” appointed by Adolf Hitler who dictated contracts and wages.
• Prohibition of Strikes: The right to strike was abolished, effectively silencing worker dissent and removing a key mechanism for ensuring fair labor conditions.
• Erosion of Worker Dignity: This system, as described by historian William L. Shirer, bound the worker to the employer, destroying labor autonomy and contravening the principles of full, productive employment and decent work for all (Target 8.5) and the protection of labor rights (Target 8.8).

Contemporary Threats to Labor Rights and the Sustainable Development Agenda

The report identifies contemporary challenges to labor rights in the United States that threaten progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Actions targeting the rights of workers are presented as direct impediments to the creation of just societies and equitable economic growth.

Executive Actions and their Implications for SDG 8 and SDG 16

Recent executive orders targeting the collective bargaining rights of federal employees represent a significant threat to established labor protections. American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley characterized these actions as a “disgraceful and retaliatory attack” that undermines democratic principles.

• Erosion of Institutional Integrity (SDG 16): Such actions weaken the institutional framework of civil service and attack the freedom of association, a cornerstone of inclusive and participatory decision-making (Target 16.7).
• Undermining Decent Work (SDG 8): Denying collective bargaining rights directly obstructs the goal of protecting labor rights and promoting secure working environments for all workers (Target 8.8).
• A Threat to Democracy: The warning that such tactics threaten “every American who values democracy” reinforces the link between labor rights and the health of national democratic institutions.

Conclusion: The Union Movement as a Cornerstone for Achieving the 2030 Agenda

The historical and contemporary evidence examined in this report leads to an unequivocal conclusion: a strong, independent, and democratic labor movement is a fundamental pillar for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The struggle to protect unions and the right to collective bargaining is intrinsically linked to the global effort to advance key SDGs.

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Unions function as vital civil society institutions that promote accountability, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Unions are the primary vehicle for securing fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor rights.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Through collective bargaining and advocacy, unions are a powerful force for reducing economic inequality.

Therefore, defending the rights of unions to organize and operate freely is not merely a parochial concern for workers but a universal imperative for anyone committed to building a more sustainable, equitable, and democratic world.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article’s central theme is the role of trade unions in securing workers’ rights, fair wages, and benefits. It discusses collective bargaining, the right to strike, and the importance of a free labor movement, all of which are core components of decent work.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article explicitly links the existence of free trade unions to the health of a democracy. It details how the destruction of unions was a key step in the collapse of democracy in Nazi Germany and warns of similar threats. This connects to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, promoting the rule of law, and protecting fundamental freedoms.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  By advocating for improved wages and benefits for workers, unions work to reduce economic inequality. The article also touches on inequality based on political affiliation and origin, describing the persecution of union members, political opponents, and Jews by the Nazi regime.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

     The article is fundamentally about protecting labor rights. Bill Londrigan’s speech emphasizes that in a democracy, “unions are able to strike without fear of being beaten, jailed, tortured, or even killed.” The historical account of Gustav Schiefer, who was beaten and imprisoned for his union activities, serves as a stark example of the violation of this target. The contemporary warning about an “assault on unions” and an executive order “denying federal workers their collective bargaining rights” directly relates to the need to protect these rights.

   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all… and equal pay for work of equal value.

     The article notes that unions have “always focused on what we’re doing as a union movement to improve the wages and benefits of our members and the rest of society.” This directly aligns with the goal of achieving decent work, which includes fair remuneration.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

     The article provides graphic details of violence against unionists and political opponents in Nazi Germany. It describes how Gustav Schiefer was “severely beat” and how members of opposition parties were “maimed, tortured, imprisoned, and murdered.” This historical example highlights the extreme consequences when institutions protecting citizens fail, directly relating to the goal of reducing violence.

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

     The Nazi regime’s actions, such as replacing collective bargaining with “labor trustees” whose decisions were “legally binding” and outlawing strikes, represent a complete dismantling of the rule of law in labor relations. Gustav Schiefer’s testimony that he and his colleagues “bore witness… for human dignity and justice” underscores the fight for these principles when they are absent.

   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

     The article equates free unions with democracy itself, framing them as a fundamental freedom. The suppression of unions and the outlawing of all political parties other than the Nazis are cited as the destruction of the freedoms of association and speech. The contemporary warning from AFGE President Everett Kelley calls a modern executive order an attack on “the freedoms of speech and association.”

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

     The article details the systematic persecution of specific groups by the Nazis, including union members, members of the SPD and Communist parties, and European Jews. This is a clear example of discriminatory policies designed to eliminate equal opportunity and persecute individuals based on their political beliefs and origin.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

   • Indicator for Target 8.8:

     The article implies that the legal protection of the right to form unions, engage in collective bargaining, and strike are key indicators. The contrast between a system where unions are free and one where Hitler “decreed a law bringing an end to collective bargaining” and “outlawed strikes” provides a clear measure. The number of physical attacks, imprisonments, or killings of union members (“beaten, jailed, tortured, or even killed”) serves as a direct negative indicator of a safe working environment.

2. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

   • Indicator for Target 16.1:

     The article explicitly mentions incidents of violence that can be measured, such as the number of people “maimed, tortured, imprisoned, and murdered” for their political or union affiliations. These serve as direct indicators of violence levels.

   • Indicator for Target 16.10:

     The existence of laws that protect or, conversely, outlaw unions and other political parties is a primary indicator. The article points to Hitler’s outlawing of all political parties other than the Nazis and the suppression of unions as a measure of the destruction of fundamental freedoms.

3. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

   • Indicator for Target 10.3:

     The existence of laws and official state actions that target specific groups for persecution is an indicator. The article points to the “savage treatment” of the SPD and Communist party members and the genocidal anti-Semitism that led to the Holocaust as measurable examples of discriminatory practices and policies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forwardky.com