Independent European trade unions firmly believe that environmental and climate change issues must be addressed urgently.
The EU Green Deal requires a firm political and regulatory focus – there is no alternative to it. We are facing various positions that need to be reconciled.
From an economic and business perspective, the green transition requires a fundamental review of our current socio-economic model, in which both people and the planet are generally treated as raw materials for production. There is no future without economic growth.
From an environmental and climate perspective, as demanded by the “last generation”, all aspects of our economy, industry, society and life must be ecologised without further delay. There is no future without a preserved planet.
From the perspective of society and workers, the main goal is social justice and protection, as well as high-quality, safe and decent working conditions and the availability of jobs, whatever changes may occur. A future without human well-being is impossible.
How can all of this be combined? The answer lies in the buzzword “sustainability”.
Sustainability means long-term success in transitions, adaptations and reforms that do not negatively affect anyone, or at least limit the negative impact. To ensure long-term success, sustainability requires a balance between the interests and needs of the economy and businesses, society and workers, and, last but not least, the environment and the climate.
We know that the impact of climate change and the related policy solutions will affect regions, sectors, industries and workers very differently.
As trade unions, let us not deceive ourselves: the mitigation of the impacts of climate change will require the adaptation of labour markets and employment in all sectors. Although new jobs will be created, many others will be lost.
New carbon-neutral industries, companies and sectors will emerge, but many of those that are energy-intensive will disappear. Even if, as some predict, an increase in the number of jobs is achieved, the labour market and employment in various sectors will be significantly affected.
With this in mind, sustainability from a social perspective means creating as many “quality” new jobs as possible. It means transforming as many unsustainable jobs as possible into sustainable ones. It means extensive and tailored retraining and upskilling opportunities. It also means adequate social protection for those workers who, for various reasons, cannot find a new job in a more environmentally friendly economy.
This must be acknowledged and properly taken into account by entrepreneurs, climate activists and politicians alike.
If the green transition comes at the expense of workers who are simply dismissed or replaced, if it exacerbates inequality and poverty, if it causes significant job losses and negatively affects our economy, society and social protection systems, it will lose followers and support. It will not be sustainable. It will fail. Therefore, “leaving no one behind” is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic necessity.
The scale of the socio-economic challenge posed by climate change that we are facing is perhaps unprecedented. Under normal circumstances, it would take time to solve this problem caused by climate change. But we do not have time. Thus, a rapid and inclusive approach is urgently needed in all policy areas, involving all relevant partners – from businesses to workers, from the public to the private sector, from social partners to civil society. Now. Today.
Strong social dialogue, partnerships, trade unions and public services are essential to mitigate the negative consequences of the “green transition”, provide the necessary support and skills to workers, jointly develop socially just restructuring of sectors and regions, and restore the balance between workers and employers so that workers benefit. Anticipate specific changes. Identify specific problems. Manage transitions in various sectors.
Trade unions know that the “green transition” is a process, that its impact is not fully predictable and that its implementation will not be perfect. However, although trade unions should adopt the same constructive approach that they expect from businesses and climate protection groups, they will never back down on one aspect – that the price for the transition should be paid only by the less protected.
To remain relevant. To maintain the necessary support. To ensure the success of the transition.
Together with our partners Bertelsmann Stiftung, Reshaping Work Foundation and EUobserver, we, the European independent trade unions (CESI), held the 2023 “Trade Union Summer Days” in Brussels on 29-30 June, which were attended by many experts and representatives from European and international institutions, the public sector, think tanks, trade unions and companies.
With the support of individual session coordinators, including the European Commission and the International Labour Organization, the aim is to assess the impact of the twin transitions on regions and sectors, the challenges of the public and private sectors, as well as the risks and opportunities for companies and workers.
About the authors:
Klaus Heeger is Secretary General of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI).
Sara Rinaudo is chair of the CESI working group The future of work.