Study Visits
Each programme has incorporated study visit elements (usually to major national centres or international trade union organizations) to demonstrate in practical ways some of the major approaches taken in Turin-based programmes. Study visits also help to develop a comparative approach among trade unionists on the technical area of the course as well as on general matters related to trade unions. In 2004 study visits were made to Mumbay/WSF, Oslo (LO), Paris (CGT-FO, CGT and CFDT), Vienna (ÖGB), Bonn (FES and DGB), Tokyo (RENGO¬/JILAF), Lisbon (UGTP), Madrid (UGT and CC.OO), and Quebec (FTQ). Most were organized thanks to financial contributions from trade unions and to the financial support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES).
As in previous years, all the Programme's courses included round-table discussions with representatives of the Italian trade union confederations: CGIL, CISL and UIL.
A constant effort was made to promote co-operation with trade unions and other organizations in relation to study visits. This was aimed, not only at promoting financial and technical assistance to the Programme, but also at ensuring opportunities for course participants to develop technical/political contacts with national trade union centres in developed countries and international trade union organizations. In addition, the majority of study visits included sessions where course participants had the opportunity to present the situation of their respective labour movements to trade unionists from industrialized countries. A number of trade unionists from industrialized countries also took part as course participants and contributed to the development of training programmes. They provided technical assistance on a voluntary basis in specific subject areas and they supported the development of networks in order to strengthen workers' solidarity.
