Abstract

Trade unions are a model in terms of social rights defence. The European Social Charter is the most complete and effective treaty in this regard. Inspired in the universal symbol that is the people´s struggle for freedom, this paper will demonstrate the need to integrate said treaty as a standard in trade unions’ daily work. Currently, trade unions have, on the one hand, the possibility of submitting comments channelled through the reporting system. On the other hand, they can appeal to the European Committee of Social Rights as they have legal standing in the Collective Complaints procedure. This undisputed reality is analysed on the basis of the recent Resolution of the European Trade Union Confederation. The paper concludes by providing some guidelines to deal with some of the observed challenges and deficits.