EU project 25/27
European Social Fund Plus
Efficient Human Resources Program 2021-2027
Strengthening the capacity of social partners – phase I
Call number: SF.1.4.02.04
Project partners: HUS – Union of Workers of Dalmatia www.srd.hr
Project description
The project Trade Union of the New Age – "Trade Union at Your Fingertips" aims to restore the trust of members in the trade union and improve communication between trade union representatives and workers. Due to frequent ownership changes, plant closures and job cuts, members are often dissatisfied and feel that the union has not sufficiently protected their rights. The main cause of this is a lack of information and poor communication.
Successful companies show that quality communication channels increase employee satisfaction, engagement and loyalty. That is why it is important for members to be informed in a timely manner about all trade union activities and to have the opportunity to express their opinions and suggestions. The strength of a trade union depends on active and informed membership.
In order to respond to these challenges, the project aims to strengthen the capacities of trade union representatives, explore good practices and develop digital tools that will enable fast, simple and transparent communication and strengthen trust and participation of members in the work of trade unions.
General information about the project
- Intermediate body level 1 (PT1): Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy
- Intermediate body level 2 (PT2): Croatian Employment Service
- Priority title: Inclusive labour market and employment promotion
Project summary
With the New Age Trade Union project "Trade Union at Your Fingertips", we want to strengthen the trust of members in the work of trade unions, improve knowledge and capacities for improving communication between trade union representatives and members, explore experiences and best practices, and develop digital tools that will provide members with a new, better, stronger trade union with which they can communicate quickly and immediately, share their opinions, their suggestions and comment on the work of their trade union representatives.
Project duration
- Start of implementation: 18.02.2025.
- End of implementation: 18.02.2027.
Project value
- Grant: 278.744,25 €
- Total eligible costs: 278.744,25 €
- Co-financing rate: 100% (85% ESF+ + 15% State budget)
List of activities
A1 - Training of social partner staff (months 1-24)
Plan: 5 one-day trainings (min. 15 participants).
Topics: internal communication; the trade union commissioner as a communicator; information security; digital communication; Communication through social networks and media.
Location: Zagreb (applicant's premises).
Measurable outcome: 5 trainings conducted.
A2 – Networking of social partners (months 1–24)
Plan: 5 one-day working groups (min. 10 participants).
Topics: information expected by the membership; communication of trade union actions; information that the Commissioners need from the membership; digital communication; communication through social networks.
Location: Zagreb (applicant's premises).
Outcome: 5 implemented networking activities + development of practical guidelines for the web.
A3 – Development of new services and/or improvement of existing ones (months 1–24)
Goal: development of an application and a new website to digitize the process and better communicate with members.
Phases: Q1–Q2: business analysis (external experts) Q3: selection of contractors for the application and web Q4–Q5: platform and web design and development Q6: testing and elimination of deficiencies Q7–Q8: maintenance/support, evaluation and user education
Measurable outcome: 5 developed/improved services 1) membership data management, 2) communication within the team, 3) communication with the membership, 4) communication with the public, 5) communication with employers.
KV – Communication and Visibility (months 1–24)
Activities: engagement of a graphic designer; creation and printing of 2 posters and 2 roll-up banners; regular news releases/photos from activities; visibility alignment; Creating a partner's website.
Measurable outcome: 3 promotional activities (posters + roll-up + web partner).
UP – Project Management (months 1–24)
Activities: engagement of an external expert for administrative management, preparation and submission of quarterly/final reports, establishment of a documentation archiving system; collection of supporting documentation from the applicant/partner.
Communication and visibility of the project
As part of the project "Trade Union of the New Age – Trade Union at Your Fingertips", targeted communication and promotional activities are carried out to ensure transparency, recognizability and availability of all project results to the membership and the general public. At the very beginning of the project, a graphic designer was hired to create the visual identity, promotional posters and roll-up banners, in accordance with the visibility rules of the European Union. After the solution is selected, promotional materials are printed and placed in the premises of the applicant and partners, and the roll-up banner is used at all events and activities of the project. All activities carried out are regularly photo-documented, and news, announcements and results are published on the websites of the applicants and partners with all the prescribed elements of visibility. The project also includes the creation of a new partner website, which further strengthens the digital recognition and availability of information to all members and stakeholders.
Expected results of the project
The implementation of the project "Trade Union of the New Age – Trade Union at Your Fingertips" is expected to significantly improve the capacities of social partners and strengthen the quality of trade union activities through education, networking and the development of digital tools. The project will result in a more modern, accessible and efficient model of communication between trade unions and members. Through five planned trainings and five working groups, at least 15 employees, trade union commissioners and volunteers will acquire new knowledge and skills that will contribute to stronger and more professional trade union activities. In addition, five new or improved digital services will be developed, including a platform and app for communicating with members, better data management and more efficient information sharing with employees, the public and employers. These results will contribute to increasing the trust of the membership, faster flow of information, more active participation of workers in trade union processes and the creation of a strong foundation for a modern and digitally equipped union.
Contact Information
Contact person for the project: Amir Mulić
Email and phone: amir.mulic@inas.hr; 01/4572 031
Disclaimer
The content of this website is the sole responsibility of the INAŠ Petroleum Trade Union and does not necessarily reflect the official positions of the European Union or the European Commission. The European Commission cannot be held responsible for them. The project is co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
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Overview of activities
LECTURE: The importance and role of internal communication between trade unions and membership, Zagreb, 23.04.2025.
Internal communication is key to building a strong, connected, and informed union. It enables members to understand the values of the trade union, their role and the goals of joint action, while at the same time fostering a two-way exchange of information, trust and active participation of members. Through effective communication, trade union representatives build a sense of belonging, strengthen the motivation of workers, quickly recognize the needs and problems of members, and create the foundations for constructive social dialogue. Regular and clear information, the use of modern communication tools and the development of open dialogue are key to building a strong union that has the trust, support and active engagement of its members.
Download: PPTX, 2.4MB
WORKSHOP: What information and notifications does the membership expect from its trade union representatives, Zagreb, 20.05.2025.
The working group analyzed the existing internal communication in INAŠ and recognized that it is predominantly verbal and focused on direct contact with members, while digital and written channels are insufficiently used. Members most often seek information on substantive rights, collective agreements, regulations and trade union benefits, and it has been shown that they lack timely, clear and structured information. A number of communication challenges were also noted – from uneven information to overload of commissioners – which is why guidelines such as the development of a digital application, regular newsletters, personalized notifications, short educational content and strengthening the visibility of trade unions were proposed. The goal is to establish a systematic, modern and two-way communication model that increases the understanding of rights, strengthens the trust of members and facilitates the daily work of trade union representatives.
Download: PPTX, 2.2MB
LECTURE: Trade Union Commissioner as a Communicator, Zagreb, 04.06.2025.
The trade union commissioner is a key point of communication between the trade union and its members, and the person who shapes the perception of the trade union on the ground. Its role is to ensure timely, clear and relevant information to workers, but also to actively collect feedback, needs and problems from workplaces. An effective trustee understands the interests of members, knows how to tailor the message, uses different communication channels and builds a relationship of trust through regular visits, conversations and availability. Through information about rights, collective agreements, trade union benefits and situations in the company, the Commissioner strengthens the engagement of workers, encourages membership and contributes to a stronger and more visible trade union.
Download: ZIP, 2.5MB
WORKSHOP Communication of trade union actions to the membership, Zagreb, 09.09.2025.
Effective communication of trade union actions is the basis of informed and active membership. The working group emphasizes the importance of a clear, concise, and well-structured message that immediately conveys the essence of the event—what happened, who participates, why it matters, and what decision was made. Trade union messages must be understandable, focused on relationships and togetherness, not numbers, and accompanied by an appropriate visual identity. The public and the media expect short statements, clear positioning and content that is easy to remember and relevant. In order to avoid common mistakes such as excessiveness, unclear technical terms and unprepared performances, good preparation, knowledge of the topic and a communication framework adapted to the target audience are recommended. Communication structured in this way strengthens trust, increases the visibility of the trade union and ensures that every action is recognized and properly understood.
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LECTURE Digital Communication, Zagreb, 21.10.2025.
Today, digital communication is shaping the way members receive, interpret, and respond to information – quickly, selectively, and visually. In a sea of content, attention lasts only a few seconds, which is why it is important to communicate briefly, clearly and with a warm tone. Messages are no longer just information, but create an impression, trust is built or lost, and generations read them in completely different ways – from a formal phone to TikTok visuals. The key to success is to filter the essentials, choose the right channels, avoid digital traps such as overly extensive messages, CAPS LOCK and information noise, and use communication that is targeted, personal and easy to understand. A well-designed digital message builds reputation, facilitates cooperation and strengthens the connection between trade unions and members.
Download: PPTX, 7.3MB
WORKSHOP What information and notifications should trade union representatives seek from membership, Zagreb, 25.11.2025.
In order for a trade union to operate strongly and efficiently, trade union representatives must systematically collect information from the daily work of members. Feedback on working conditions, safety at work, remuneration, interpersonal relationships and real challenges in the workplace is crucial. Only in this way can the union react in a timely manner, negotiate based on real needs and protect the rights of its members. Representatives must communicate clearly, simply and respectfully, with the awareness that non-verbal communication and the way of approaching significantly shape the trust of members. In accordance with the new trends in internal communication, the emphasis is also on the use of modern digital tools, video content and two-way dialogue in order to better hear and respect the voice of members.
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WORKSHOP Manner and content of digital communication, Zagreb, 09.12.2025.
In the digital environment, a trade union must be the first, most reliable and clearest source of information for its members. This means using different channels – from web and newsletters to WhatsApp messages and social networks – but always with a tone that suits the audience: professional on the web, supportive on Facebook, expert on LinkedIn and fast on mobile channels. The key to success is to create communication that is clear, useful, and member-centric: each message must answer the question "what does this mean for me?". Instead of formal and vague announcements, the emphasis is on concrete benefits, simple messages, engagement and visibility of results. Well-structured digital communication builds trust, increases understanding of the work of trade unions and creates a real connection between trade unions and members.
Download: PPTX, 5.6MB
LECTURE Communication through social networks and media, Zagreb, 19.03.2026.
Today, social networks are a key tool for visibility, trust and modern trade union activity. They enable fast, accessible and transparent information for members, open up space for attracting younger workers and strengthen the credibility of trade unions in the public. Properly selected channels — such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok — help the union showcase its work, get closer to members, and create content that is clear, current, and relevant. Each network has its own strengths and challenges, but the common goal is the same: the union must control its own message, be present where its audience is, and communicate professionally, warmly, and consistently. This is the only way to build a modern, open and recognizable union.
Download: PPTX, 3.6MB