14 UK trade union leaders representing 2.3 million workers have written to the leaders of the COP26 nations, to ask them to listen to workers’ voices on climate issues “before, during and after your negotiations at COP26”.
Leaders of the FBU, Unite, the NEU, the CWU, and the PCS are amongst those to sign the letter.
The COP26 negotiations are set to largely exclude workers and worker representatives, with government leaders and officials set to be at the heart of them.
The union leaders argue that “too often worker’s voices have been ignored when it comes to decision-making about the climate, and plotting a route out of the catastrophe we now face” and that “the voice of workers needs to be heard in all matters which affect us”. They state that “whether it is the measures we use to address climate change, or how we protect workers’ jobs and livelihoods as we transition to a more sustainable society, there are many issues where workers should have a central say”. Many of the solutions to the climate emergency are focussed on a green economy, and that means a shift in the jobs we do and the jobs created in the future. Workers must be at the heart of changing mindsets to create a more sustainable future.
Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:
“COP26 leaders need to listen to our demands, and talk to workers and their representatives. Workers’ voices need to be heard when it comes to vital decisions on how we fight climate change, and protect jobs and livelihoods as we do so. Workers should be a part of making these decisions as far as possible, not simply have the decisions made for them. They are the ones best placed to decide what is best for them and form their own futures.”
Kevin Courtney, NEU Joint General Secretary, said:
"Democratic trade unions, including the National Education Union, are set to play a key role in building a more sustainable future. The voice of educators needs to be heard loud and clear as they will be supporting our children leading the way towards a better future."
Trade unions are also mobilising to protest around COP26. On Saturday 6th October, the COP26 Coalition’s “Global Day of Action”, there are set to be trade union blocs at 14 locations around the UK. This includes the climate summit’s location of Glasgow.
The letter is included below:
We are writing to you as the representatives of workers from across the United Kingdom.
Workers keep our economies going. Without workers, there will be no transition to the economy we need for the future.
Yet too often worker’s voices have been ignored when it comes to decision-making about the climate, and plotting a route out of the catastrophe we now face.
This is unacceptable. The voice of workers needs to be heard in all matters which affect us.
Whether it is the measures we use to address climate change, or how we protect workers’ jobs and livelihoods as we transition to a more sustainable society, there are many issues where workers should have a central say.
At COP26 you have a chance to agree significant reforms that could help us progress towards vital goals. But it is vital that you do not do so without listening to workers.
We urge you to talk to workers and their representatives before, during and after your negotiations at COP26. Doing so is the only way of making sure workers are properly catered for. Workers know what’s best for them, understand their jobs and industries and have the insights and experience which can help to change everybody’s world for the better.
Don’t ignore workers, and don’t ignore their main form of democratic organisation – trade unions. Workers’ voices and workers’ organisations must be at the heart of tackling the climate crisis and building a world fit for the future.
Dave Ward, CWU
Matt Wrack, FBU
Sharon Graham, Unite
Mark Serwotka, PCS
Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ
Steve Gillan, POA
Jo Grady, UCU
Kevin Courtney, NEU
Paul Fleming, Equity
Bob Monks, URTU
Mick Lynch, RMT
Ian Lawrence, NAPO
Mick Whelan, ASLEF
