First there are historical reasons. Under the Soviet Union, Estonians had to be members of unions which were just a sham. In 1991, the switch to the market economy and capitalism consequently constituted for the unions a real challenge, which in certain sectors they were not in a position to confront. For instance, in the building industry unions have almost completely disappeared through lack of leadership. Elsewhere, the absence of a union is attributable to a favourable labour situation. There is no unionisation in banking where the average wage is the highest of all sectors of activity. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the Soviet Union, Estonians tend to shy away from anything related to politics. There is in fact “no political conscience”. People don’t consider themselves as potential actors of change and citizenship is at low ebb with only 40,000 people actively involved in politics. The biggest challenge for us, the unions, is to change this mentality.
s have almost completely disappeared through lack of leadership. Elsewhere, the absence of a union is attributable to a favourable labour situation. There is no unionisation in banking where the average wage is the highest of all sectors of activity. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the Soviet Union, Estonians tend to shy away from anything related to politics. There is in fact “no political conscience”. People don’t consider themselves as potential actors of change and citizenship is at low ebb with only 40,000 people actively involved in politics.
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