From Copenhagen to Cancun - climate change grounds metalworkers
In 2010 the EMF has developed, on its own and together with other trade union federations, policies related to climate change, that include improvements of European industrial policy necessary to achieve sustainable industrial manufacturing in Europe.
Instead of flying to Mexico to participate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16), that is taking place in Cancun on 29 November – 10 December 2010, the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) has decided to stay at home. Instead of exposing the globe to additional CO2 emissions, the EMF will promote its message for Cancun using digital means.
The EMF reconfirms its Resolution from Copenhagen and takes it to Cancun together with newly developed policies on industrial policy, steel, automotive, ICT, shipbuilding, wind energy, agricultural machinery, rail transport, training & education.
Copenhagen Resolution of the European Metalworkers’ Federation
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.
The EMF believes 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.
EMF key demands:
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
At Cancun the EU must again demand a binding and comprehensive international agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) guaranteeing a just transition towards a low-carbon economy. External trade policies must also pursue a fair level-playing field for industries and their workers. In light of Europe’s strong commitment to energy and resource efficiency, border adjustment measures and carbon traceability standards should be developed to avoid carbon leakage in energy-intensive industries whilst pursuing necessary climate policy objectives.
