This study examines the structural and institutional barriers faced by disadvantaged groups in trade union organising processes from a social policy and equality perspective. Women, migrant workers, young people, disabled individuals and precarious workers face problems such as low wages, informality, discrimination and job insecurity in the labour market, which limits their participation in trade union organisation. The study emphasises that trade unions have historically been built on structures centred on male-dominated, homogeneous, full-time industrial workers; therefore, the demands of disadvantaged groups are often relegated to the background.

With globalisation, neoliberal policies, digitalisation and the spread of flexible working arrangements, a new precarious labour force, defined as the “precariat”, has emerged, further weakening trade union inclusiveness. The study draws attention to the limited representation of women, migrants, young people and people with disabilities in trade union structures in Turkey, while examining inclusive trade union policies developed in countries such as the Scandinavian countries, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as examples of good practice.

The conclusion states that the future of trade unions is directly linked to their capacity for inclusiveness and recommends positive discrimination, quota systems, special committees for disadvantaged groups, digital organising tools, and coordination between trade union structures and social policy. The study reveals that the union organisation of disadvantaged groups is of critical importance not only in terms of workers' rights but also in terms of social equality and the democratisation process.