15/12/2009

European metalworkers on the road from Copenhagen

Resolution of the European Metalworkers Federation

For the (EMF), climate change is a dangerous reality which demands a social response at international as well as European, national and regional/local and company levels. We believe that a drive towards new industrial strategies based on low carbon technologies and products can offer opportunities but also challenges for the future of industrial workplaces in Europe, especially in the context of the worst recession for 80 years and an older and broader energy and raw materials crisis.

1. Promoting sustainable employment policies not more of the same

2. Europe urgently needs a sustainable industrial policy

3. Creating an international sectoral level playing field to avoid carbon leakage

4. Ensuring a socially just transition to a low-carbon economy

5. Greening our workplaces

This paper fits into the EMF’s long held call for stronger European industrial policies promoting the anticipation and management of industrial change.

For more information, please contact Judith Kirton-Darling, EMF Policy Adviser

COP 15 - European metalworkers on the road from Copenhagen

For the European Metalworkers Federation climate change is a dangerous reality which demands a social response at international as well as European, national and regional/local and company levels. We believe that a drive towards new industrial strategies based on low carbon technologies and products can offer opportunities but also challenges for the future of industrial workplaces in Europe.

EFFAT's view on sustainable development

Sustainable development seeks to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” in the sense of balance between economic, social and environmental elements. Still, increasingly rapid global changes, from the melting of the icecaps to growing energy and resource demand, are challenging this objective.