The second edition of the Trade Union Leadership School, organized by PSI in conjunction with the National Coordinating Committee of Trade Unions Affiliated to PSI in Paraguay (CONASAISP), ended successfully on August 20 and 21 at the Hotel Los Alpes in San Bernardino. This event, which brought together 23 union representatives from the municipal, health, energy and education sectors, was designed to strengthen the negotiation and leadership skills of its participants.

The two modules of the school were facilitated by María Fernanda Villegas, a leading expert from the Center for Labor Studies (CETRA). Under her guidance, participants acquired key tools for influencing collective bargaining negotiations and processes to modify public policies that affect employment in the Paraguayan public sector.

"This space not only strengthened the technical capacities of union leaders, but also fostered a network of support and collaboration that is vital for the defense of labor rights in public services," said Nayareth Quevedo, Subregional Secretary of the Southern Cone and Coordinator of the Union to Union project in Paraguay.

The second module covered topics such as the construction of the MAAN (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), gestural communication techniques, and methods for emotional management during negotiations. Participants not only learned theoretical concepts, but also had the opportunity to apply them in practical workshops. These exercises culminated in a plenary session where they shared their experiences and discussed lessons learned.

The evaluation by the participants was highly positive. Many highlighted how the contents of the school, facilitated by Villegas, have already been implemented in their own sectoral negotiations, achieving significant progress in the discussions and agreements reached.

"The training received here has been crucial to face the challenges in our daily negotiations. We have been able to apply negotiation and emotional management techniques that have allowed us to advance firmly in the defense of the rights of our colleagues in the nursing sector," said one of the participating union leaders.

Germán González, Inter-America's youth representative to the World Executive Committee and one of the school's participants, underscored the importance of this training for the new generations of union leaders. "Youth have a fundamental role in the renewal and continuity of the trade union movement. Spaces like these prepare us to face the current problems in Paraguayan public employment with a critical and renewed vision," said González.

The event concluded with a general evaluation of the modules taught, highlighting the importance for PSI to continue promoting continuous training and strengthening of its union cadres, ensuring that they are prepared to defend the rights of workers in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.