Trade unions of modern Russia as a civil society institution representing employees' interests

The paper analyzes the effectiveness of trade unions as a civil society institution protecting the interests of employees in modern Russia. The study showed that at this stage trade unions are experiencing deep crisis and can not cope with one of their main functions to protect their members. After Russia experienced the effects of the global financial crisis, the employees of many companies encountered many difficulties and the violation of their rights by the management of their companies. In this regard, the employees have finally realized their real need for a legitimate and independent mediator who could represent their interests before the management of enterprises, especially in crisis situations. One of these mediators could be the updated trade unions which have repeatedly proved their effectiveness in the world's history.