Episode 2: Trade unions | Martin Jefflen
2 March 2026
Trade unions represent a layer of protection for whistleblowers, particularly within the workplace. As collective representatives of workers, they have the power to negotiate whistleblower protection clauses in collective agreements and provide a supportive environment for employees who choose to speak out. Trade unions work closely with both lawyers and civil society organizations to ensure that whistleblowers are not isolated in their fight. Yet, they must balance this role with their broader responsibilities to all members, which can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest or diluted advocacy for individual whistleblowers.
In this episode of the third season of “Whistleblowing Now and Then”, titled “The Ecosystem Behind the Courage”, host Anna Myers sits down with Martin Jefflen, International Secretary at Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union, and former President of Eurocadres (Council of European Professional and Managerial Staff).
Now in its third season, “Whistleblowing Now and Then” is a podcast exploring the most important issues of the day for whistleblowing, featuring interviews with experts, whistleblowers, and advocates. It is a joint project of the Whistleblowing International Network and the European Whistleblowing Institute.
Anna Myers is the Executive Director of the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN). To learn more about WIN, visit the website: https://whistleblowingnetwork.org/Home
Dr Vigjilenca Abazi is the Executive Director of the European Whistleblowing Institute (EWI). To learn more about EWI, visit the website: https://www.ewi.legal/.
The third season of “Whistleblowing Now and Then” is part of Project BRIGHT (101143234), co-funded by the European Commission.
Project BRIGHT 101143232 is co-funded by the European Commission. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
