18 March, 2025More than 100 trade unionists from 36 unions across 22 countries gathered in Pune, India, from 4-6 March for the IndustriALL Global Union automotive world conference. Participants tackled urgent issues facing workers in the auto sector ; industrial transformation, just transition, precarious work, gender equality and the need to build stronger unions globally.
Transformation and Just Transition: workers must not be left behind
The rapid transformation of the automotive industry, driven by electrification, automation and digitalization, was a central theme throughout the conference. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is disrupting production models, supply chains and employment and trade unions are fighting to ensure that workers are not casualties of this shift.
Dr. Lorenza Monaco, research expert, explained that the transformation of the global auto industry is characterized by uncertainties, particularly regarding new players entering the industry (and the mobility sector), environmental pressure and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, many countries, particularly in the Global South, continue to invest in automotive industrialization and technology to secure a future in the sector.
“The key question remains: How can workers and unions influence this transition to ensure fair wages, job security and sustainable industrial policies?”
said Monaco.
In a world where companies are investing billions in electrification without clear political guidelines and afluctuating customer demand, the risks to workers are significant. Trade unions must push for reskilling, upskilling and proactive transition measures. Unions also demand access to critical industry and company data to develop evidence-based strategies for securing the future of their members.
A key takeaway from the discussions is that just transition cannot be achieved by unions alone. Governments, industry and social partners must engage to ensure job security, fair wages and strong labour protections.
Fighting against union-busting and precarious work
Participants from across the globe shared first-hand accounts of the relentless attacks on trade union rights. From union-busting at Mercedes in USA to union repression in India, Mexico and beyond, the auto industry remains a hostile sector for organizing.
Christine Olivier, IndustriALL assistant general secretary, underlined the need for a strategic response to anti-union attacks:
"Companies are moving jobs to low-cost regions, using precarious contracts and doing everything they can to weaken workers' power. This is a global trend and the only way to fight back is through organizing. If we are not organized, we will lose."
Tesla workers in Sweden have been on a historic strike for 16 months, facing one of the most aggressive anti-union corporations in the world. In the US, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga finally secured union representation in their third attempt, while Mercedes workers in Alabama faced extreme union-busting, intimidation and a crushingly close vote loss. Despite setbacks, workers remain determined to organize and win.
A key lesson from these struggles is that ground campaigns are the foundation of successful union organizing. Workers must be at the centre of every campaign and unions must stay flexible, continuously assessing conditions and adjusting strategies as needed to maximize impact.
The role of international solidarity
One of the strongest messages from the conference was that international trade union networks are more important than ever. IndustriALL has played a key role in building trade union networks in global auto companies, but funding remains a challenge. Participants discussed whether more networks are needed and how they can be sustained, particularly in sub-sectors such as motorcycles and commercial vehicles, as well as across global supply chains.
The conference emphasized that solidarity cannot be limited to individual cases; it must also tackle systemic supply chain challenges, especially by leveraging human rights due diligence policies and legislation, as well as country-specific issues. Many unions called for more strategic global campaigns to address industry-wide concerns effectively.
India: a model for union strength
India is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world, but precarious work, low wages and weak labour laws remain major challenges. IndustriALL has been supporting union-building in India since 2012.
India serves as a model for how long-term union engagement can strengthen workers' power, but the fight is far from over. Many workers still face extreme exploitation and companies continue to use contract work to avoid responsibility.
A gender-responsive approach to industrial transformation
The conference also tackled the gender gap in the auto sector, recognizing that industrial transformation risks deepening existing inequalities.
A key concern is that women workers face greater risks of job losses in the transition to new technologies. Without proactive policies, automation and restructuring could worsen the pay gap and job insecurity for women.
Unions shared strategies to recruit and retain more women in the labour movement:
Indonesia: Unions engage women through team-building activities, leadership training and education on bargaining.
- Belgium and Morocco: Hotlines, workplace posters and gender-based violence awareness campaigns improve conditions for women.
- Türkiye: Women workers push to be included in collective bargaining and union delegate conferences.
- India: The Tata Motors plant in Pune has a women-only assembly line, but many remain in precarious contract work.
A key takeaway from the gender discussions was that power-sharing in unions must be a priority.
"If we want women to feel included in unions, we must change how we communicate and engage with them,"
said one participant.
Unions must also challenge societal norms that limit women’s participation and push for flexible work schedules, better occupational safety measures and gender-responsive policies in the transition to EVs and digitalization.
Next steps: organizing, just transition and global solidarity
As the conference came to a close, participants agreed that the work ahead requires concrete action. Among the priorities:
- Strengthen international trade union networks to fight against anti-union tactics and precarious work.
- Expand organizing in the auto sector, particularly in supply chains, to unionize contract workers.
- Push for a real just transition, ensuring workers are retrained and protected in the shift to new technologies.
- Improve gender equality in the sector, ensuring that women are not left behind in industrial transformation.
- Develop strategic global bargaining coordination, including aligning contract expirations to increase worker power.
"Despite geopolitical tensions and right-wing attacks on labour rights, we must continue to fight together,"
said Olivier.
"Through global solidarity, organizing and strategic action, we can ensure that workers are not left behind in this transformation."
The conference concluded with a clear message: the road ahead is challenging, but with solidarity and determination, trade unions will continue to strengthen worker power across borders and play a decisive role in shaping the future of the auto industry.
