Fórsa’s recent ‘Green New Deal for Workers’ event shone a light on the impact of decarbonisation on workers in energy and other sectors, and the actions that unions should take to advocate effectively for climate justice.

John Barry of Queens university spoke about framing a ‘just transition’ process to protect workers and communities from adverse economic effects of climate action. He said a new economic model was needed.

Yvonne O' Callaghan of ICTU’s Global Solidarity Committee talked about the just transition process in Ireland. She said unions needed to work to create green jobs’ to avoid job losses like those that recently hit Bord na Móna, which is moving to a low-carbon model.

Michael Ewing of the Irish Environmental Network focussed actions that Fórsa and other unions should take to become national advocates on climate action.

Fórsa has already joined Coalition 2030, which was among his recommended actions.