‘Just transition’ for safer workplaces

Specialists’ union Prospect has launched a guide on bargaining for a “just transition”.

The union explains that the term “describes the move towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy that maximises the benefits of climate action while minimising hardships for workers and their communities”. Its core message is that no-one gets left behind.

“Just transition” is about ensuring quality employment, safe workplaces, informing and educating members and bargaining for the retraining and up-skilling of workers to meet the demands of a changing world.

The guide sets out that workplace bargaining must include proper consultation taking place through the elected trade union structures.

Where jobs or work processes are changing as a result of climate change targets (reducing greenhouse gases, reducing waste, and environmental performance for example), staff should be consulted, educated and included in the decision-making processes. And where entire sectors are remodelling, there must be reskilling for changes and career pathways from the old to the new.

The guide looks specifically at electricity production and supply, commercialisation and digitalisation, and aviation, and sets out negotiating considerations for energy efficiency, homeworking, flexible working patterns and travel.

www.prospect.org.uk/news/id/2015/August/4/Transition-your-workplace-sustainable-future