This summer, trade union activists from all over Estonia gathered at the "Rannahoovus" summer school to spend a full day together learning, discussing and sharing experiences. The workshops combined people's stories, practical knowledge and the everyday experience of trade unions. Pärnu's warm air and wealth of knowledge recharged the participants' batteries with energy to keep going full steam ahead in the autumn.
Participants in the trade union rights workshop recognised the power of knowledge.
One of the key topics of the summer school was trade union rights. "If the discussions take longer than planned, that's always a good sign. People feel they have something to give to each other and something to learn, and the conversations continue even after the training is over," said Kaia Vask, head of the Confederation of Trade Unions, who ran the workshop with lawyer Nelli Loomets.
Practical exercises and real-life examples made complex legal provisions simple and gave participants the confidence to stand up for their rights and those of their colleagues. "Knowledge is like a tool with 10 tools - it's always in your pocket, but you have to open it from time to time to use it.".
Experience in organising actions encourages you to follow the same path underfoot
A workshop on organising actions and involving members was also highly appreciated. Practical stories from people who have carried out actions themselves were shared. "You won't find cases like this in any textbook," said one participant. "When you see that someone has been down the same road and knows where the critical moments are or how to overcome them, it encourages them to make similar choices in their own union."
The discussions confirmed the importance of passing on experience. This is what keeps the trade union movement alive and growing. Several participants suggested that similar trainings should be held in different regions of Estonia.
Increasing the influence and membership of trade unions through organising
A workshop on engaging and empowering trade union members brought to life real-life cases, supported by questions from participants. Practical tips and experiences of organising the Rescue Workers' Union and the Independent Trade Union of Seafarers were shared. "No one is born an organiser, but we can grow into one if life gives us the chance. We really want employers to understand and take into account the needs and expectations of workers," said Evelin Tomson, the central union's organising secretary.
The EP's hiking game ran through the three press conferences with pace and laughter
The communication workshop brought both laughter and stress to the participants. In the European Parliament's hiking game, they had to reach agreement on the eco-friendly food label in their assigned political group in a limited time, go through committee debates and two plenary votes. Three groups failed to reach an agreement and the participants had to justify their indecision in a press conference lasting just 30 seconds.
"I didn't think it would take 30 seconds to explain why there was no sign," one person grinned. "It tested the cooperation of our group, but it also taught us to deliver the message clearly and confidently." Even with the language barrier and slow internet connection, everyone did very well and left the workshop as more confident speakers and presenters.
The greatest value is the people themselves
While the workshops provided a wealth of knowledge, participants acknowledged that the real heart of the Summer School was the people themselves - talking, sharing and spending time together.
The "Coastal Willingness 2025" summer school clearly showed that the power of trade unions lies not only in negotiated collective agreements, but first and foremost in workers who are united in trade unions, ready to learn, develop and act together.
Let's move forward together, support each other and meet again in the summer of 2026 to acquire new trade union wisdom!
