Summary

In the article, the Legal Secretary of the Estonian Central Federation of Trade Unions provides an overview of the main issues pertaining to trade unions in Estonia, focusing on some of their current problems. In greater detail, the author deals with the representation function of trade unions, their role in the development of the democracy of enterprises, and their proprietary rights and obligations. Further, the author points out possible areas of activity of trade unions and explains the role of the state in ensuring the rights of trade unions. Examples are given of the regulation of issues concerning trade unions in different states and by international standards. The article describes the legal basis of the activities of trade unions in Estonia and analyses their future perspectives.