Trade Unions and the climate crisis: green jobs and just transitions

To reach net zero and avoid the worst consequences of climate change, the world economy will have to achieve significant change. Done right, this could mean good jobs, cleaner air and warmer homes for all. But there is also a possibility that the consequences of decarbonizing will fall disproportionately on those in poverty or insecure work, those in carbon-intensive industries, and those in fossil-fuel dependent countries.

In July this year the OECD Trade Union Advisory Committee noted that:

"The 2024 Employment Outlook provides evidence of worsening wages and job opportunities in the move from high emission to green industries and makes a strong case for collective bargaining to achieve a socially just transition to a net-zero economy.

It shows that workers from high emission industries are relatively well-paid, tend to have stable jobs and are much more likely to be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If they lose their job, they find it more difficult to find a new and stable job, and are often forced to accept wage cuts and move occupation or region.

The OECD found that workers displaced from high-emission industries lose up to 40% of average annual earnings compared to 30% for workers displaced from low-emission industries (over the six years following dismissal).

On the other side of the equation, the OECD finds that low and medium skilled jobs in demand because of the green transition offer lower pay and poorer working conditions, with workers less likely to be covered by collective bargaining".

British Trade Unions need to find a way to marry the need for climate action with the need for a worker led approach.

Are we on the road to doing this, and if so how?

As a contribution to the process, Blackburn and District Trades Union Council is hosting a Panel discussion in Blackburn Central Library - staring 7pm on Wednesday 16th October, with the title "Trade Unions and the climate crisis: green jobs and just transitions".

Our Panellists are:

• Ben Crawford .Research Officer, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment - co-author of the Institute of Employment Rights (IER) pamphlet, "Working for Climate Justice: Trade unions in the front line against climate change",
• Jason Hunter, UNISON NW Region, and
• Michael Agboh-Davison, UNITE for a Workers Economy and "No ban without a Plan" campaign

Pre-booking is not essential, but it will help us keep an eye on expected numbers.

Host or Publisher Blackburn and District Trades Union Council