Members of the union-backed Just Transition Alliance met environment minister Eamon Ryan at the end of May to press for the immediate establishment of a National Just Transition Commission.

The group told the minister that a commission was urgently needed to ensure that the transition to a zero-carbon economy “is inclusive, protects workers and communities and delivers new opportunities for all.”

Fórsa is a member of the alliance, a unique coalition of unions and environmental groups dedicated to achieving effective climate action without adverse impacts on jobs and communities, which was launched in March this year.

The union says a National Just Transition Commission would involve all stakeholders, and would be charged with developing the blueprint for the transition to zero carbon based on social dialogue.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has made multiple calls on the Government to urgently establish such a commission.

The government’s Climate Action Plan commits to the creation of a commission, but the timescale set out in the plan would not see it become a reality until late next year, or even in 2024.

Ahead of the meeting with Minister Ryan, the Alliance published an open letter setting out the case for the urgent establishment of the commission.

The letter is signed and supported by 23 national and regional organisations, including trade unions, environmental bodies, civil society groups and development agencies.

It says: “We must see the urgent implementation of a just transition to protect and create jobs, to reduce emissions, enhance living standards, safeguard and restore biodiversity and generate new opportunities to help build sustainable, resilient communities across the country.

“It is our view that an essential component of such an approach would be the immediate establishment of a National Just Transition Commission.

"We do not believe that job losses and lower living standards are the automatic outcome of the zero-carbon transition, but result from bad planning and poor policy. The fastest, fairest and most effective transition is one that is inclusive." Read the full letter HERE.

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