Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been urged to “work with the labour movement in Canada to devise and implement a ‘Just Transition Strategy’ for workers and communities that may be affected by meeting Kyoto targets.”
“Take all steps necessary to achieving and, indeed, exceeding the targets and timelines for emissions and pollution reduction as set forth by Canada’s international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol,” says a Nov. 19 letter from Public Services International General Secretary Hans Engelberts
At its recent 100th anniversary world congress, PSI unanimously adopted a comprehensive resolution on climate change. Delegates urged that PSI write to the PM to “underscore their concern about the current policies of your government on climate change.”
“While there will certainly be economic growth in other sectors, such as the creation of new ‘Green Jobs’ in renewable energy, retrofitting housing, and strengthening public transportation and research and development, not all workers will be in a position to benefit from these alternatives.”
The letter also recommended “the creation of a transition fund for retraining and educational opportunities for such displaced workers, as well as investments and job creation in the areas noted earlier.”