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The progress made at the COP21 climate talks are an important step towards limiting climate change. Unifor’s delegation in Paris says Canada played the role of a leader during the talks.
“We’re thrilled with the progress made this week, and we’re proud of the role that Canadians played to push the agenda forward,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
“We’re ready to get to work to help ensure that Canada meets its domestic goals and looks after workers in the process.”
The Unifor delegation led by Jerry Dias includes Ken Smith, President of Unifor Local 707A, representing Suncor workers in the Alberta Oilsands.
Unifor’s delegation was part of 35 Canadian trade unionists coordinated by the Canadian Labour Congress and the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC).
“Just Transition”—the process of funding and retraining workers impacted by changes in carbon intensive industries—was the top priority for the labour delegation. Unifor representatives met with Canadian negotiators and policy-makers several times during the talks.
The government representatives largely agreed with Canadian labour delegates and promised to push to include Just Transition in the final agreement.
At one of the discussion forums held during the week, Smith received a standing ovation for his contribution about transitions for workers.
“We can’t leave anyone behind,” he said. “My members’ jobs feed their families, so any climate plan that they buy into must include fair and adequate alternatives for them.”
