International trade unions to adopt historic resolution on climate change

Unions from all over the world are to adopt today an ambitious resolution on climate change. In the framework of the 2nd ITUC Congress, unions have debated their role in the fight against climate change, the means to create green and decent jobs and ensure a just transition towards a low carbon economy and the need for achieving a fair, ambitious and binding deal on climate under UN auspicies. “In the last years, unions have deepened their understanding and commitment on climate change; the time has come in this 2nd ITUC Congress to consolidate our policies” said Guy Ryder, General Secretary of the ITUC. “With this resolution, trade unions of the world show that if there is ambition and solidarity, it is possible to agree on the measures needed to combat climate change; governments should step up to their responsibilities, as unions have done”.

The resolution establishes policies on the need for ambitious emission reductions in developed countries, for sufficient funding to be allocated to help the poorest of the world to adapt to climate change, and for developing countries not to repeat the mistakes of the past but to engage instead in a different development path, so as to help build the low carbon, climate resilient and socially-fair world we need.

“Climate change is definitely a workers’ issue, and Congress is demonstrating leadership by showing that there is no incompatibility between achieving decent work and social justice and protecting the environment”, said Sharan Burrow, President of the ITUC. “On the contrary, targetted investments and policies aimed at creating green and decent jobs in certain sectors, such as renewable energies, energy efficiency and public transportation can help us overcome the job crisis we are living through, and unions today are willing to convey this message to the world”.

“Solidarity between and within countries and a Just Transition are key to ending climate change” said Burrow. “Unions of the world have to ensure that their governments share costs and gains in a fair manner, and push for the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable society to be done in such a way that everyone has a place” she added.

In addition to the resolution “Combatting Climate Change through Sustainable Development and Just Transition”, a documentary produced by ITUC and Sustainlabour showcases activities and commitments from the world’s unionists– from leaders to shopfloor activists – on climate change.

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