This text is part of the special booklet 33rd congress of the FTQ
“There are no jobs on a dead planet,” said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, at COP21. This powerful phrase is widely used by the FTQ, which campaigns for a just energy transition in the face of the undeniable consequences of climate change.
In 2015, the International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted the Guiding Principles for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all. This concept means that new measures aimed at reducing or mitigating the effects of climate change must promote social dialogue, social protection, the right to work and the right to employment.
“The transition is necessary, but it must not be done on the backs of the workers, they must be included in the process,” says Denis Bolduc, general secretary of the FTQ. In other words, the movement towards carbon-free workplaces must not be a source of increasing inequalities.
The idea of just transition has become a major issue at the FTQ, following two tours carried out across Quebec a few years ago. The plant had observed variable environmental measures depending on the regions and sectors of economic activity, as well as a lack of knowledge of the issues and sometimes mistrust among workers, who feared losing their jobs.
Accompany and support
With its Environment and Sustainable Development Committee, the FTQ strives to distribute tools and generate discussions in the community to allay these fears. “There is a need to inform, raise awareness and educate about what climate change entails and, above all, to make people understand the need to act”, indicates Denis Bolduc.
Just transition laboratories have been set up in companies, in order to initiate a process of social dialogue and to mobilize both management and employees. For example, support is provided for pilot projects or structuring initiatives to improve energy efficiency or reduce a company’s carbon footprint.
“It is necessary to support workers through training, requalification or support for those who lose their jobs or see their tasks modified,” continues the Secretary General. Once the measures have been implemented, we must give ourselves the means to evaluate the actions taken. »
However, reliable data are still lacking. The FTQ is one of the organizations that support the Well-Being Indicators in Quebec project, which identifies 51 economic, social and environmental indicators to measure the well-being of the Quebec population. While the economic and social gains are significant, the environmental balance sheet is worrying, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, mobility and air quality. Several indicators are still non-existent concerning the state of the social economy, the quality of childcare services, the artificialization of soils, adaptation to climate change or even the evolution of species.
Never let it down
Since 2015, the plant has participated in the various Conferences of the Parties (COP) organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). To raise awareness among its members and its affiliated unions, it also organizes days of reflection on various themes such as new forms of the economy or public transit, as well as representations to the various levels of government.
“We have a municipal administration in Montreal that listens better than the previous ones,” rejoices Denis Bolduc. On the provincial side, however, the tone is less enthusiastic. After a meeting with the government of François Legault in 2021, to set up a national working group on the just transition, the FTQ hoped that the project would materialize. Finally, it is still at a standstill, while no other meeting has taken place since. The Secretary General finds it hard to understand why the government does not make it a priority.
The central has already planned to send a delegation to COP28, which will take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, therefore in an oil-producing country. Although the FTQ finds the idea curious to say the least, it will not practice the empty chair policy, deemed ineffective.
“We are continuing our efforts to set up other just transition laboratories in the workplace and to push government authorities to put them forward, we will not give up,” exclaims Denis Bolduc. For the FTQ, every discussion counts.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, relating to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.
This special content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team, reporting to marketing. The editorial staff of Le Devoir did not take part.