1. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Transition to renewable energy A trade union concern European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Sophie Dupressoir

2. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Renewables and sustainable development Long term, balanced approach: environment, quality employment, social cohesion, growth (White paper 1997, Göteborg Strategy) → Renewable energy, part of the solution to climate change → Economic and local development → Social benefits and labour developments + 1 million net jobs (MITRE)

3. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 A « just transition » towards sustainable energy Maximize quality job creation in RE part time / full time temporary / sustainable newly created / maintained qualified / non qualified Minimize disruption to workers and their families in fossil fuels sectors Strengthen the public service obligation

4. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 A combination of instruments  Policies which create the dynamics Public investment Garanteed prices and financial incentives Rebalanced European R&D Binding targets for RES-E  Anticipation and management of social impact: Assessement of the social costs, Employment transition programme  CSR with labour force’s participation

5. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Ensuring concrete change “on the ground” The role of the unions(1)  Workers at company level can encourage conversion to renewable energy  Training and education : largest single institutional provider of informal adult education in the world  Unions help bridging the gap between industry and civil society  Include environmental targets in collective bargaining

6. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Ensuring concrete change “on the ground” The role of the unions (2) Germany: « Bündnis für Arbeit und Umwelt» (2000) DGB, NGOs, Industry Objectives: - renovation of 300,000 homes each year - creation of 200,000 jobs - reduction of CO 2 emissions by 2 million tons/y. - export of renewable energy - reduction of heating costs

7. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Ensuring concrete change “on the ground” The role of the unions (3) Spain : –1992 : agreement between unions and ENDESA to install wind energy capacity for 750 MW by 2000 –1999 : joint commitment between trade unions, environmental NGOs and industry to ensure careful placement of wind mills. –Jobs: 2.200 (1990), 57.000 (2000), + 200.000 (2010)

8. Conference ECCP II, Brussels, 24 October 2005 Thank you The ETUC represents 60 million workers in 35 European countries www.etuc.org