The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a ‘just transition forum’ to explore ideas for creating alternative employment for workers and communities likely to be affected by Ireland’s move towards a low carbon economy.

ICTU general secretary Patricia King said the forum could focus on developing alternative forms of employment, and also ensure that supports and resources are put in place to assist workers and their wider communities.

Ms King said the failure to act on the employment impact of necessary measures to tackle climate change had been highlighted by the recent announcement of job losses at Bord Na Mona.

“The just transition forum must be established as a matter of urgency and include all stakeholders in the sector. We now need to see a clear commitment from government to act on this,” she said.

Ms King added that ICTU had contacted the Government and was working “to identify the opportunities that exist for new forms of energy generation and employment creation across the sector.”

Fórsa has been among the leaders of the Irish trade union campaign on a ‘just transition,’ which would protect jobs and incomes as Ireland moves towards a low-carbon economy.