Greening labour? The role of the SDGs in fostering sustainability integration within trade unions

The effective integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions sustainability by actors in all sectors is a core objective Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Do trade unions, as important socio-economic actors, contribute to this agenda aligning with concerns? We conducted qualitative content analysis primary documentary sources from International European Trade Union Confederations focussing on 2012–2022 period. complemented in-depth interviews Netherlands Belgium. found that unions have been ‘greening’ their discourses initiatives, cooperating more movements. They also use SDGs not only discursive frames, but shape concrete initiatives. However, they overwhelmingly see greening still instrumental terms rather than transformative prioritization concerns. This reflected engagement SDGs, implementation according priorities.