Union movement affecting change at climate talks

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Local 609 member D-Jay Krozser and National Health, Safety, and Environment Director Sari Sairanen take part in a meeting during the 23rd Conference of Parties meeting.

Unifor was part of the Canadian Labour Congress’ delegation to the 23rd Conference of Parties meeting (COP23) in Germany last week. The COP meetings are regular international summits to review the implementation of the UN Framework on Climate Change. It is the most important meeting of national governments to avert climate disaster. Unifor was represented by Local 609 member D-Jay Krozser and National Health, Safety, and Environment Director Sari Sairanen.

The international trade union movement made three demands for COP23:

  1. Raise ambition and realize the job potential of climate action
  2. Deliver on climate finance and support the most vulnerable
  3. Commit to securing a Just Transition for workers and their communities

Although most governments from industrialized countries have committed funds for implementation in developing countries, none have yet earmarked resources for just transition for workers. Canada has committed nearly three billion dollars over five years to international efforts but has yet to identify resources to support workers’ transition.

Canada is lagging behind in supporting transition at home as well. Alberta announced its coal phase-out plan during COP23 and Canadian COP23 labour delegates noted that federal Unemployment Insurance and community support was sorely lacking. CLC representatives later met with Canada’s Environment Minister in person and pressed the minister about this example of inaction to protect workers. This dialogue was likely an important push, as a federal task force on Just Transition (delayed since COP22) was announced the following day.

At a working group meeting hosted by the Climate Action Pacific Partnership (CPP), the Canadian Labour Congress delegation members shared examples of practical applications of Just Transition. Unifor’s Sairanen discussed links between acting on climate change and promoting job creation and social inclusion.

“As the world makes the necessary transition to greener economies, we must fight hard to ensure that affected workers are not left behind,” said Krozser.

The next meeting of COP will be held in Poland next year. It will be a critical meeting for workers, as key decisions on Just Transition and financing are expected to be made.

D-Jay Krozser and Sari Sairanen with the CLC delegation to the 23rd Conference of Parties meeting.