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10 July, 2026Today trade union representatives from across Europe and beyond gathered in Durham, England, for the joint industriAll Europe and IndustriALL Global Union international roundtable, “Sticking together – worker internationalism in volatile times.” The event brought together trade union leaders, activists and experts from different European countries and welcomed guests from Australia. Together they exchanged experiences, strengthened international cooperation and discussed how the labour movement can respond to the challenges facing workers in an increasingly uncertain world.
Hosted at the historic Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall, the roundtable focused on defending trade union values in industrial communities undergoing profound economic and industrial transformation. Participants discussed the growing pressures created by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty and the green and digital transitions, reaffirming that workers must remain at the centre of industrial change.
The discussions opened with reflections from ITUC general secretary Luc Triangle on the role of trade unions in shaping a Just Transition and safeguarding quality jobs, workers’ rights and democratic participation.
Atle Hoie, IndustriALL general secretary, said:
“Trade unionism is under attack. We need to stick together and defy anti-democratic far-right movements. We cannot allow for populists exploiting workers’ fear of losing status. Through international trade union solidarity can we push back on corporate profit maximization at the cost of decent wages and trade union rights.”
Speakers highlighted the common challenges facing industrial regions across the world and underscored the importance of cross-border solidarity in defending workers’ interests.
industriAll Europe general secretary Judith Kirton-Darling said:
“In volatile times it is more important than ever that unions speak up and show their power against deregulatory and trade union busting policies. As a restructuring wave rolls over Europe unions must send a clear message in defense of proactive industrial policy making with strong social conditionalities that promote quality jobs and strong social dialogue.”
Participants agreed that industrial transformation must go hand in hand with quality employment, investment in industrial communities and strong social protections to ensure that no worker or region is left behind.
The roundtable concluded by looking ahead to the 140th Durham Miners’ Gala, where participants joined trade unionists, workers and their families from across the UK and abroad in one of Europe’s largest celebrations of trade union solidarity.
Organised by the Durham Miners’ Association since 1871, the Durham Miners’ Gala—known as the “Big Meeting”— brings mining communities and trade unionists to the streets of Durham, celebrating the enduring values of solidarity, community and working-class culture.
The roundtable and the gala together sent a powerful message: in times of uncertainty and rapid industrial change, international trade union solidarity remains more important than ever. By standing together across borders, unions will continue to fight for workers’ rights, quality industrial jobs and a Just Transition that leaves no one behind.