Energy unions call for talks on just transition

Energy unions are calling for talks with the government this year to help workers and communities adapt to the low-carbon economy needed to deal with global warming. The four unions – UNISON, Unite, GMB and Prospect – represent 200,000 workers in the sector and launched a template for a “just transition” to low carbon over the Christmas holidays. Now they want to hold discussions with business, energy and industrial strategy secretary Greg Clark to “chart a constructive way forward in the decade ahead”. The template grew out of a conference of energy workers from all four unions, hosted and organised by UNISON in September. Conference report: Protecting jobs, saving the planet (01 October 2018) The unions’ template features four key demands: a balanced low carbon energy mix; investment in skills and infrastructure; protecting and creating high quality jobs and employment; making sure no community is left behind. “Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the UK still does not have a plan that puts workers, future skills and affected communities at the heart of energy policy,” the unions said in a statement as they launched the plan. “The move to a low carbon economy could threaten the jobs and livelihoods of workers in the energy sector,” noted UNISON national officer Matt Lay. “But with a just transition, they won’t simply be abandoned. With proper investment and training, both they and their communities can share in the benefits of a sustainable ...
Source: UNISON Health and safety news - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Article climate change Energy just transition renewable energy Source Type: news