Conference programme

Trade unions have played a defining role in Polish history, but globally many are facing declining membership and struggling to adapt to rapid changes in the labour market. While some jurisdictions maintain strong union traditions, others see unions losing influence despite increasingly sophisticated statutory protections.

This session explores why these differences exist and what drives the overall drop in union membership. Are unions adapting quickly enough to challenges such as AI, hybrid work reducing physical presence and organisational opportunities, shifting workforce identities, diversity considerations and the expectations of younger generations? How does the tension between collective agreements and the growing focus on individualised solutions impact their relevance?

We will examine how multinational employers can navigate diverse systems of industrial relations across borders, and whether the traditional union role remains crucial – or how it must evolve – to stay relevant in a fragmented and digitally transforming world. Furthermore, the session questions whether the traditional union role is still crucial and explores unions’ future significance.
 

Many companies are committed to advancing the employment of equity-seeking groups and understanding workplace diversity. They monitor diversity metrics internally and increasingly expect their suppliers to collect and share similar data, aiming for a comprehensive approach to inclusion across the supply chain. However, achieving this goal on a global scale brings significant challenges.

Organisations must contend with a complex landscape of privacy laws that differ widely from country to country, including strict restrictions on collecting and processing sensitive personal data. In some jurisdictions, even asking questions about race, ethnicity or other protected characteristics can be prohibited or culturally sensitive, making data collection difficult or even impossible. Employers also face cultural differences in how diversity and equity are understood or prioritised, which can affect both the willingness of individuals to disclose information and the effectiveness of global diversity initiatives.

Legal frameworks and reporting requirements may conflict or lack harmonisation, leading to uncertainty and potential liability when operating across borders. As a result, employers and their legal advisors must navigate challenges such as ensuring legal compliance, building employee trust, maintaining data accuracy and adapting their strategies to respect local expectations. This session will discuss international best practices, risk mitigation strategies and how to strike the right balance between promoting diversity and complying with privacy and cultural norms worldwide.
 

Tina Sobocińska an HR Influencer, Strategic Advisor, and the Founder of HR4future, a C-level HR leader with over 20 years of experience in global organizations such as PwC, DHL, and Schneider Electric. Tina is the Founder and Leader of the Digital HR Champions network and a Board Member of the LiderShe Association. She lectures at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, SWPS University, and Kozminski University. She is a podcaster and an international conference speaker.

Listed among the Top 22 Robotic Process Automation influencers globally by Business Analysts Hub. Harvard Business School alumnus. Experienced leader with a strong background in the computer software industry. Regional Vice President at UiPath, developing AI technology that mirrors human intelligence with increasing sophistication, transforming how businesses operate, innovate, and compete.

What do general counsel and HR leaders really look for when hiring external counsel? This session reveals client expectations, how legal tech is reshaping service delivery and what law firms must do to stay relevant.