Unionism, as an institution, is questioned by civil society for its insufficient social articulation, the limited unionist force and the underrepresentation of the public and social interests of workers and society as a whole.Seen from this perspective, the scenarios of political representation could be an alternative for strengthening its purpose in society, and a strategy for the preservation of its contemporary claims and action in order to prevent the demise of unionism.This article explores the role, importance, political representation and participation level of union leaders in elections in Colombia, thereby recognizing the trend during the last decade of a socially diminished unionism, but individually represented by some leaders in some decision-making scenarios.