Category: COP28

Blog: COP28 in Dubai

As a member of the ITUC delegation attending COP28 in Dubai, I have had the opportunity to witness both the achievements and concerns from a trade union perspective during the first week of the conference.

Just transition

One of the significant achievements during the first week of COP28 in Dubai, was the acknowledgment of the importance of a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Recognition of the rights and needs of workers and affected communities in the transition process is crucial. 

In daily negotiations I have advocated for the inclusion of just transition measures in the final agreement. This would ensure that workers are not left behind. We will know more on whether our attempts have been successful at the end of this year’s COP negotiations in a few days’ time.

Engagement with trade unions

COP28 has witnessed a notable level of engagement with trade unions in the decision-making process, though there is definitely room for improvement here in future. 

Trade unionist presence in various working groups and consultations has allowed us to contribute our expertise and ensure that labour issues are given due consideration, and the recognition of the role of trade unions in addressing climate change is a positive step towards a more inclusive and effective response.

Strengthened solidarity

The first week of COP28 saw trade unions from different countries and sectors coming together to share experiences and strategies. Solidarity among unions and their federations from across the globe has grown. This has led to fruitful collaborations and the exchange of best practices. This unity has amplified our voice and enhanced our ability to influence climate policies and actions.

Insufficient funding and ambition

In spite of the positives listed above, I am concerned about a lack of ambition for nationally determined contributions (NDCs), the measures that individual countries are prepared to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

I’m also concerned that there are insufficient financial resources allocated to support workers and communities in the transition to a sustainable economy. Trade unions at the conference have called for increased funding and investment in reskilling, job creation, and social protection measures to ensure a fair and equitable transition for all workers.

Finally, there appears to be a lack of gendered perspectives and the recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalised groups. There are also uncertainties around the position of countries that rely upon fossil fuels such as the COP28 host the UAE. 

As we move into the second week of COP28, trade unions have made significant strides in promoting just transition, securing increased engagement, and fostering collaboration. 

With a newly formed policy sub group focusing specifically on this area, UNISON remains fully committed to working towards a climate-resilient world that prioritises workers’ rights and the wellbeing of communities.

 

The article Blog: COP28 in Dubai first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Reflecting on a week at COP28 in Dubai

Tony Wright (pictured) is a member of the ITUC delegation attending COP28 in Dubai, and had the opportunity to witness both the achievements and concerns from a trade union perspective during the first week of the conference. Here he reflects on the first week at the conference.

Just transition

One of the significant achievements during the first week of COP28 in Dubai, was the acknowledgment of the importance of a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Recognition of the rights and needs of workers and affected communities in the transition process is crucial. 

In daily negotiations I have advocated for the inclusion of just transition measures in the final agreement. This would ensure that workers are not left behind. We will know more on whether our attempts have been successful at the end of this year’s COP negotiations in a few days’ time.

Engagement with trade unions

COP28 has witnessed a notable level of engagement with trade unions in the decision-making process, though there is definitely room for improvement here in future. 

Trade unionist presence in various working groups and consultations has allowed us to contribute our expertise and ensure that labour issues are given due consideration, and the recognition of the role of trade unions in addressing climate change is a positive step towards a more inclusive and effective response.

Strengthened solidarity

The first week of COP28 saw trade unions from different countries and sectors coming together to share experiences and strategies. Solidarity among unions and their federations from across the globe has grown. This has led to fruitful collaborations and the exchange of best practices. This unity has amplified our voice and enhanced our ability to influence climate policies and actions.

Insufficient funding and ambition

In spite of the positives listed above, I am concerned about a lack of ambition for nationally determined contributions, the measures that individual countries are prepared to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius. 

I’m also concerned that there are insufficient financial resources allocated to support workers and communities in the transition to a sustainable economy. Trade unions at the conference have called for increased funding and investment in reskilling, job creation, and social protection measures to ensure a fair and equitable transition for all workers.

Finally, there appears to be a lack of gendered perspectives and the recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalised groups. There are also uncertainties around the position of countries that rely upon fossil fuels such as the COP28 host the UAE. 

As we move into the second week of COP28, trade unions have made significant strides in promoting just transition, securing increased engagement, and fostering collaboration. 

With a newly formed policy sub group focusing specifically on this area, UNISON remains fully committed to working towards a climate-resilient world that prioritises workers’ rights and the wellbeing of communities.

 

The article Blog: Reflecting on a week at COP28 in Dubai first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Taking demands to world leaders at COP28

The UN’s climate change conference, COP28, is under way in Dubai and we’ve sent UNISON’s own observer, NEC member Tony Wright, to the conference. You can read more about his role here.

Back home in the UK, we’re also preparing to take part in the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) Global Day of Action. Events are planned in Aberystwyth, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

We no longer have to look very far to see the damage being caused every day by climate change – it’s here in the UK. And while the Westminster government is busy giving ever more tax breaks to the biggest polluting companies, and allowing them to make record-breaking profits from soaring energy bills, the global COP process is all about getting governments to stop burying their heads in the sand and to take action.

Without all governments stepping up to this existential emergency, there is no doubt, we will run out of time to protect our planet. This is a fundamental trade union issue, because the jobs, health and finances of UNISON members are all affected by climate change.

World leaders are now in Dubai to make key decisions on how countries will commit to tackling the climate emergency. But at its core, there must be a just transition. It has to promote and protect human rights and fundamental labour rights. Also, it must guarantee intergenerational and gender equity, racial justice and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, impacted communities and migrants.

As UNISON is part of the ITUC observer delegation, we have clear, joint demands of world leaders:

  • Only a just transition to a low-carbon economy can secure the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities
  • Just transition plans should be co-created with workers and their trade unions to guarantee decent work, social protection, training opportunities and job security for all workers affected by global warming and climate change policies
  • Plans must be underpinned by the fundamental Labour rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining and facilitated through social dialogue between workers and their unions, employers and governments, as established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Trade unionists across the world are mobilising around these core principles. And while we know the COP processes won’t hold all the solutions, we must do all we can to tackle the climate catastrophe head on. We can all do our bit, too, which is why we’re encouraging all members to find an event to take part in on the Global Day of Action on 9 December.

Follow our Green UNISON campaign online and look out for our special reports back during COP over the next few weeks.

The article Blog: Taking demands to world leaders at COP28 first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Taking demands to world leaders at COP28

The UN’s climate change conference, COP28, is under way in Dubai and we’ve sent UNISON’s own observer, NEC member Tony Wright, to the conference. You can read more about his role here.

Back home in the UK, we’re also preparing to take part in the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) Global Day of Action. Events are planned in Aberystwyth, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

We no longer have to look very far to see the damage being caused every day by climate change – it’s here in the UK. And while the Westminster government is busy giving ever more tax breaks to the biggest polluting companies, and allowing them to make record-breaking profits from soaring energy bills, the global COP process is all about getting governments to stop burying their heads in the sand and to take action.

Without all governments stepping up to this existential emergency, there is no doubt, we will run out of time to protect our planet. This is a fundamental trade union issue, because the jobs, health and finances of UNISON members are all affected by climate change.

World leaders are now in Dubai to make key decisions on how countries will commit to tackling the climate emergency. But at its core, there must be a just transition. It has to promote and protect human rights and fundamental labour rights. Also, it must guarantee intergenerational and gender equity, racial justice and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, impacted communities and migrants.

As UNISON is part of the ITUC observer delegation, we have clear, joint demands of world leaders:

  • Only a just transition to a low-carbon economy can secure the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities
  • Just transition plans should be co-created with workers and their trade unions to guarantee decent work, social protection, training opportunities and job security for all workers affected by global warming and climate change policies
  • Plans must be underpinned by the fundamental Labour rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining and facilitated through social dialogue between workers and their unions, employers and governments, as established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Trade unionists across the world are mobilising around these core principles. And while we know the COP processes won’t hold all the solutions, we must do all we can to tackle the climate catastrophe head on. We can all do our bit, too, which is why we’re encouraging all members to find an event to take part in on the Global Day of Action on 9 December.

Follow our Green UNISON campaign online and look out for our special reports back during COP over the next few weeks.

The article Blog: Taking demands to world leaders at COP28 first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON takes the call for a just transition to COP28

UNISON is taking the call for a just transition to this year’s UN climate change conference – better known as COP28, which opens on Thursday in Dubai, and continues until 12 December.

Tony Wright, NEC member and chair of the policy development and campaign committee, will be attending the first week of the conference. He will be acting as one of the two designated UK observers, as part of the International Trades Union Congress (ITUC) delegation.

As an official observer, his duties will include daily morning meetings to liaise with fellow trade union delegates from around the world and lobby the UK representatives – including MPs from all parties and government civil servants.

The role aims “to ensure the aims put forward by the ITUC and supported by UNISON are considered and adopted,” explains Mr Wright.

“I will also be providing regular updates to the TUC and UNISON back home so they can advise of any further action needed and lobby for change via domestic routes.”

Portrait of Tony Wright, NEC member and chair of the UNISON policy development and campaign committee

Tony Wright

For several years, UNISON has been building a focus on green issues and the climate. This has been done via the development of the green reps role, regular communications with the wider membership and focused activities across all four nations.

“In UNISON, we have a job to do – building on the work we have already done around greening public services. And, to do the best job we can, we need to be fully aware of the discussions which will shape future global policy,” says Mr Wright.

“I’m fully aware of what an honour it is to be attending COP28 on behalf of my union, UNISON, as part of the ITUC delegation. The ITUC represents over 200 million workers in 167 countries, so to be part of its delegation is a fantastic opportunity to learn and, hopefully, influence.

“The issues we will be discussing at COP28 are critical and if the people with the power to act don’t start doing something soon, it really will be too late to avoid major catastrophes. We could face even worse extreme weather than we have already experienced as well as mass migration,” he adds.

“As the largest union in the UK, it is vital that UNISON has a voice and a set of ears at the COP28 table.

“UNISON fights to protect our members terms and conditions but, while it doesn’t bear thinking about, there is no getting away from the fact that there are no jobs on a dead planet. That means we also need to fight for the future of everyone.”

At COP28, the trade unions will be demanding a labour-inclusive, just transition work programme. The priorities include guarantees on human and labour rights, inclusive participation, and providing the urgently needed climate finance to invest in a just transition.

Wider themes for the first week of COP28 include: health, recovery and peace, finance, trade, gender equality, urbanisation, transport, youth, children, education, nature, land use, oceans, food agriculture, and water.

Find out more about Green UNISON

The article UNISON takes the call for a just transition to COP28 first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON takes the call for a just transition to COP28

UNISON is taking the call for a just transition to this year’s UN climate change conference – better known as COP28, which opens on Thursday in Dubai, and continues until 12 December.

Tony Wright, NEC member and chair of the policy development and campaign committee, will be attending the first week of the conference. He will be acting as one of the two designated UK observers, as part of the International Trades Union Congress (ITUC) delegation.

As an official observer, his duties will include daily morning meetings to liaise with fellow trade union delegates from around the world and lobby the UK representatives – including MPs from all parties and government civil servants.

The role aims “to ensure the aims put forward by the ITUC and supported by UNISON are considered and adopted,” explains Mr Wright.

“I will also be providing regular updates to the TUC and UNISON back home so they can advise of any further action needed and lobby for change via domestic routes.”

Portrait of Tony Wright, NEC member and chair of the UNISON policy development and campaign committee

Tony Wright

For several years, UNISON has been building a focus on green issues and the climate. This has been done via the development of the green reps role, regular communications with the wider membership and focused activities across all four nations.

“In UNISON, we have a job to do – building on the work we have already done around greening public services. And, to do the best job we can, we need to be fully aware of the discussions which will shape future global policy,” says Mr Wright.

“I’m fully aware of what an honour it is to be attending COP28 on behalf of my union, UNISON, as part of the ITUC delegation. The ITUC represents over 200 million workers in 167 countries, so to be part of its delegation is a fantastic opportunity to learn and, hopefully, influence.

“The issues we will be discussing at COP28 are critical and if the people with the power to act don’t start doing something soon, it really will be too late to avoid major catastrophes. We could face even worse extreme weather than we have already experienced as well as mass migration,” he adds.

“As the largest union in the UK, it is vital that UNISON has a voice and a set of ears at the COP28 table.

“UNISON fights to protect our members terms and conditions but, while it doesn’t bear thinking about, there is no getting away from the fact that there are no jobs on a dead planet. That means we also need to fight for the future of everyone.”

At COP28, the trade unions will be demanding a labour-inclusive, just transition work programme. The priorities include guarantees on human and labour rights, inclusive participation, and providing the urgently needed climate finance to invest in a just transition.

Wider themes for the first week of COP28 include: health, recovery and peace, finance, trade, gender equality, urbanisation, transport, youth, children, education, nature, land use, oceans, food agriculture, and water.

Find out more about Green UNISON

The article UNISON takes the call for a just transition to COP28 first appeared on the UNISON National site.