Statement on the National Student Climate Strike

Share

May 3, 2019

Unifor stands in solidarity with participants of the National Student Climate Strike and supports the goals of immediate systemic action to reverse climate change.

“As usual, students and youth are showing leadership on the key issue of our time,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We agree with students: there is no time to waste in making sweeping changes to avert serious global harm and Just Transition must be front and centre.”

Workers across Canada are inspired by the concern and commitment of students who are escalating their mobilizing efforts to pressure governments to act. More than anyone, it is the next generation that will suffer the consequences of government inaction, and Unifor echoes student demands for comprehensive climate justices that includes:

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • workers’ rights to just transition
  • Indigenous rights and power
  • migrant justice
  • anti-racism
  • affordable housing

Unifor encourages all workers to join students in their day of action and unite to avoid climate catastrophe.

Unifor is one of Canada’s leading trade unions when it comes to fighting for the rights of workers as the economy shifts towards greener energy and technology. Unifor regularly participates in global climate conferences, including the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (“COP21”) in Paris in 2015 and more recently COP24 Katowice, Poland in 2018.

To further the Canadian dialogue and policy development, Unifor is hosting a conference on  Just Transition during September 22–24, 2019.

“Every government must raise their ambition and determine national development plans including Just Transition measures to protect workers, their families and their communities. All employers must have a plan for climate-proofing their industries and workplaces and Just Transition measures must be at the heart of these plans,” said Sharon Burrow, ITUC President.