The future of trade unionism was in sharp focus as ABWU Youth Arm leaders joined regional counterparts in Brazil for the UNI Americas Youth Organizing Forum on September 24–25. Youth Arm President, Blair Rose, and Vice President, Charles Browne, joined young trade unionists from across the Americas for two days of training, discussions, and collaboration on strengthening youth involvement in trade unions.
(L-R) Charles Browne, Blair Rose
Rose, who also serves as Vice President of the UNI Americas Youth Committee, described the forum as an important opportunity for young leaders to sharpen their skills and exchange strategies for organizing workers.
“The purpose of the trip was to teach young people different ways of getting workers to join the union,” Rose explained. “We also held a committee meeting to hear reports from colleague unions throughout the Americas on the impact of politics, economics, and new developing technologies—including artificial intelligence—and what our unions are doing to protect their members.”
The forum provided participants with tools and knowledge to address challenges within their own organizations. Rose noted that the ABWU Youth Arm will put these lessons into practice in its ongoing campaign to grow membership and strengthen advocacy.
“Through this forum, we have acquired new skills that will be shared and utilized by Youth Arm members in our drive to increase membership. We also learned techniques to resolve some of the current issues we face and could possibly face in the future. Equally important, the event renewed our commitment to sharing resources and supporting each other across the region,” she said.
Among the major takeaways for Rose was a renewed appreciation of Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic space, where union members are free to exercise their rights without fear.
“Our union activists and members do not have to be in fear for their lives as is the case in other territories. It’s a right that we should appreciate and treasure,” she reflected.
The event also reinforced the ABWU Youth Arm’s role in advancing UNI’s global agenda. Through workshops and discussions on climate change, just transition, and artificial intelligence, the forum highlighted the importance of preparing young trade unionists to tackle emerging global challenges.
“It’s about furthering knowledge among young workers about their rights and encouraging them to unite to make their conditions better.”
The UNI Americas Youth Organizing Forum concluded with a commitment from young leaders across the region to continue networking, sharing strategies, and building stronger, more resilient unions.
