Academy of Work (AoW): Developing the Next Generation of Trade Union Leaders
The Academy of Work (AoW) is a flagship three-month certified leadership development programme designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging young trade union leaders across Bangladesh. Implemented by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh in collaboration with the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), the programme brings together participants from the garment, construction, transport, public service and other sectors. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, AoW equips future labour leaders with knowledge and practical skills in industrial relations, decent work, social dialogue and, in its latest iteration, just transition and climate–labour dialogue to prepare them for the evolving world of work.
Five-Axis Transformation via the Academy of Work
Data
The programme incorporates labour market evidence, policy analysis and case studies on industrial relations, workers’ rights and climate transition to strengthen participants’ understanding of contemporary labour challenges. Evidence-based learning enables future union leaders to engage more effectively in policy dialogue and workplace negotiations.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
Capacity building is the programme’s core focus. Participants receive structured training on labour law, industrial relations, collective bargaining, leadership, negotiation, gender equality, occupational safety and health, social dialogue, and trade union governance. The updated curriculum also develops knowledge of just transition principles, climate policy and the implications of green industrial transformation for workers and trade unions.
Technology / Machinery
While not centred on technology deployment, the programme familiarises participants with the technological transformations affecting labour markets, including automation, digitalisation and low-carbon technologies. It helps trade union leaders understand how technological change influences employment, skills demand and workers’ rights across different sectors.
Finance
The Academy strengthens participants’ understanding of the economic dimensions of labour markets, including employment transitions, social protection, enterprise sustainability and public investment required for a just transition. This enables trade union leaders to advocate for equitable resource allocation and worker-centred economic policies during industrial transformation.
Policy
AoW places strong emphasis on labour policy, industrial relations and social dialogue. Participants develop the knowledge and advocacy skills required to engage with government, employers and civil society on labour law reform, decent work, climate policy and just transition. The programme reinforces tripartite dialogue as a key mechanism for achieving inclusive and sustainable labour governance.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Strengthened Trade Union Leadership
The programme develops a new generation of informed and capable trade union leaders equipped to represent workers effectively across diverse economic sectors.
Enhanced Social Dialogue and Industrial Relations
Graduates strengthen constructive engagement between workers, employers and government, contributing to more collaborative and stable industrial relations.
Integration of Just Transition into Labour Leadership
By incorporating climate change and just transition into its curriculum, the Academy prepares labour leaders to engage in emerging debates on green industrial transformation while safeguarding workers’ rights and livelihoods.
Promotion of Decent Work and Labour Rights
Participants gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to advocate for improved working conditions, freedom of association, occupational safety and health, gender equality and inclusive labour policies.
Building Resilient Labour Institutions
Through sustained leadership development and cross-sector networking, the programme strengthens the long-term capacity of Bangladesh’s labour movement to respond to economic, technological and climate-related transitions, supporting a more inclusive and resilient future of work.
