STUDY Trade Unions in Transformation Shifting Powers in Russia’s Employment Relations? Alternative Trade Unions Challenging Transnational Automotive Companies SARAH HINZ November 2017 n Despite widespread opposition, independent workplace unions have utilized the structural power of the workers to gain bargaining recognition and negotiate con­tracts at foreign auto manufacturers and suppliers. In particular, the struggle at Volkswagen in Kaluga is highlighted. n However, the workplace unions are challenged to sustain these gains. Their focus on the individual workplace, as well as the absence of employers’ associations, prevents negotiations for sectoral or regional agreements, thereby impairing unions’ organi­sational power. n Trade Unions in Transformation is an FES project that identifies unions’ power re­sources and capabilities that contribute to successful trade union action. This study features among two dozen case studies from around the world demonstrating how unions have transformed to get stronger.