Just Transition
Welcome to industriAll Europe's Just Transition website. Here, we collect and share evidence from across Europe of how the green transition is implemented on the ground. Showing initiatives that not only deliver on climate policy goals but on the broader principles of sustainable development and decent work.
Explore the map to discover news for each country.
EUROPEAN INITIATIVES - National
Territorial Just Transition Plans
-
EU Just Transition Fund to help deliver a just transition in two Slovenian coal regions
Slovenia will receive money under the JTF to help diversify the local economy in the central regions of Savinjsko-Šaleška and Zasavje. The Fund is also supposed to support workers of the coal sector with lifelong career guidance and training, and to develop measures to retain talent in the regions. -
Territorial Just Transition Plan to support north-eastern Estonia in handling the transition
After the approval by the European Commission of Estonia's TJTP, the Baltic country will receive money from the Just Transition Fund to tackle the issues of "Economy and Labour" and "Environment and social inclusion" in the shale oil region of Ida-Virumaa.
National News
-
LO Norway: survey on the role of employee representatives in the green transition
In this survey conducted by LO Norway, employees representatives share their views, attitudes and feelings on the impact of the transition in relation to multiple aspects, analysing the challenges that the business could face and the environmental footprint of the workplace. -
The important role of social conditionalities in Spain's green shift: Just Transition Tenders Mechanism
Spain's new mechanism - "Just Transition tenders" - will reward with grid access the renewable energy projects that consider the importance of employment, re-skilling programs and energy sharing when working to achieve the green transition. -
IG Metall Future Agreements (II): overview of companies adapting to the transition with workers' participation.
IG Metall has put together an overview of collective agreements in their sectors which secure employment and skills for the future in times of green and digital transition. -
The EU’s START mechanism and BDSZ analysed the Transition in Heves County.
From June 2023 to March 2024, a team from the EU Coal Regions in Transition’s initiative, under the START technical assistance programme, collaborated with the Hungarian Trade Union BDSZ to identify and address issues related to economic and labour market transitions in Heves County. -
The Carbon Contracts for Difference in Germany. A new funding instrument for the transition with the respect of social conditionalities.
CCFDs are a new tool to support companies in the transition to climate-friendly operations over 15 years. -
Upper Austria: Unions and Employers as shareholders of the Just Transition Fund.
In Upper Austria, unions are not only consulted during discussions about the transition but are also shareholders in the Regional Development Agency -
Upskilling and reskilling agreements in Norway. New agreements for reforming the industry for the future.
This training reform aims at ensuring expertise in the companies for restructuring, the green shift, technological development, and competitiveness. -
Directing Private Funds for funding a Just Transition. An approach from the Pension Fund for Metal and Technology employees in the Netherlands.
The 2023 report on PMT's activities exemplifies how private funds can be directed to support the Just Transition. This is achieved through the implementation of ESG standards and a dedicated analysis of each investment's impact on the climate. -
A Just Transition in Eastern Wielkopolska: moving away from Coal.
This study documents the most important processes, events and activities related to the Just Transition in Eastern Wielkopolska over the last three years. -
IG Metall Future Agreements (I): co-governance in the view of the Transition in Germany.
IG Metall promotes an active engagement of its members in the business change and opportunities which companies are facing in Germany with the disruption of the Digital and Green Transition -
Training and job-to-job transition framework in Sweden. Collective agreements are turned into Labor Law.
In Sweden, the landmark agreements turned into law provide financial support for training schemes for short- and long-term skills development, for workers either in employment or between jobs. -
Asturian Observatory for a Just Transition in the region. An example of Trade Union involvement and data collection.
By fostering engagement with social partners and leveraging scientific methodologies for data collection, the Observatory is paving the way for a more equitable and assertive job-to-job transition. -
Lamborghini introduces 4-days week and training schemes in view of the Twin Transition
New Lamborghini collective agreement: trade unions and employers are committed to reducing working hours and ensuring that employers take responsibility for continuous, lifelong training of workers. -
National Recovery and Resilience Plan - Italy
The Plan is developed around three strategic axes: digitisation and innovation, ecological transition, and social inclusion. It addreses the structural weaknesses of the economy, and leading the country along a path of ecological and environmental transition. -
Just Transition in Spain according to CCOO
A precious document, made by the "Confederal Secretariat of Occupational Health and Environmental Sustainability" of Comisiones Obreras, where several Just Transition experiences, occurred in the Iberian country, are presented as best practices and good examples. -
Employment policy for a Just Transition. The example of Germany.
This article seeks to find how to make work better in the green transformation, taking as an example the ongoing reforms in Germany in education, training and wage setting. Institutional reforms are necessary to advance through an inclusive employment system. -
Climate and environment measures in the workplace. A guide for members and employee representatives in Norway.
The Norwegian Society of Engineers and Technologists (NITO) has released a guide aimed at inspiring and providing employee representatives with knowledge on how to contribute to implementing climate and environmental measures in the workplace -
Industry and circularity. The example of Flanders.
The project "Industry on the road to circularity", from 2020 to 2022, was launched to analyse the Green Transition of energy-intensive industries from the employee's perspective in Flanders. -
Stellantis readjusts the employment and career management agreement for the next three years
French automotive company Stellantis and some worker's organizations have signed a new employment and career management agreement (GEEP), taking into account a Just Transition approach. -
Measurement approaches of the Just Transition. The Polish Observatory experience in Silesia.
The Regional Observatory of the Transition Process of Silesia is an example of trade union involvement in the designing and planning of the Just Transition framework in the region. -
Germany - Massive 24-hour strikes in the German steel industry
The negotiating parties are still far apart regarding pay rise and IG Metall organises large-scale industrial action to put pressure on their counterpart. -
The Just Transition Commission in Scotland releases its Annual Report 2023
Among the main ideas that the Commission aims to emphasize is the necessity to place the principle of fairness at the centre of all climate policies -
The Nordic Labour Tripartite Dialogue signs a Memorandum of Understanding on Just Transition.
The Nordic countries aim to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030 and strive to find the most sustainable solutions regarding both opportunities and challenges of the green transition. -
Just Transition funds helps Sweden move towards climate neutrality on steel, metal and minerals industry
EUR 176 million is expected to contribute to research, the re-training of workers, and sustainable industrial production. -
ENI shares windfall profits with its workers
Italian energy company ENI splashes out 85 million euro to the company’s 20,000 workers in the form of bonuses to share parts of its windfall profits from the last two years. -
The Pharmaceutical Sector in France, including the transition within its collective agreement.
The French Pharmaceutical sector signs a collective agreement including the transition, the anticipation of change and the participation of European Works' Councils. -
Retirement package and other initiatives for old coal mine workers
Old workers are more exposed to the risks of the Green Transition as they are more difficult to reskill. This report provides an analysis of retirement and support packages for old workers in the EU coal sector. -
Renault training in transition
Renault combines massive plans for retraining of workers with changes to electric cars. -
Green Transition Calls for Skilled Workers
Members of Danish Metalworkers' Union (Dansk Metal) build and secure the green transition. The report focus on the mismatch of jobs and competencies looking at the fact that Denmark by law will need to reduce CO2 emissions by 70 percent by 2030... -
Just Transition from the Slovak trade union perspective
Slovak trade union members have strongly advocated a change of their national economy, in order to tackle climate change, becoming environmentally sustainable and promoting the creation of new jobs. KOZ SR welcomes the European funds that are going to help the most vulnerable regions in transition. -
Trade union's role in the transition to a low-carbon economy in Serbia
Serbian trade union Nezavisnost has presented its position on some economic issues, related to the transition to a greener economy. The document sheds light on several contradictions of the current system and also explains what is the role the union has to play in the near future. -
Just Transition pathway at EDF
French company EDF presents its way towards the transition, with a path that aims to achieve climate neutrality. By doing so, they put a spotlight on the importance of taking into account safe and fair working conditions, also strengthening the dialogue with social partners. -
Coalition for climate action in north Hungary
Collaboration is a crucial factor to realise JT projects, especially at local level. In the major Hungarian coal region, different stakeholders know it so, they have established "North Hungary in Transition", a project that aims to carry out the first industrial lignite phase-out of Central Europe. -
Workplaces' adaptation to new climate conditions in Croatia
During a conference on climate and work, organised by SSSH and FES, a study made by the Institute for Development and International Relations was presented to answer key questions about the impact of climate change on workers and provide recommendations for authorities, employers and trade unions. -
Scottish memorandum of understanding with a view to achieving JT targets
A joint document made by Just Transition Commission (whose members are representatives of communities, businesses, unions, workers and all society) and the Scottish government to set out the framework within which the JT Commission will operate and define roles and responsibilities of the parties. -
FNV's vision on climate policy and the energy transition in the Netherlands
The Federation of Dutch Trade Unions is committed to working for an effective and fair climate policy. On their website, they showcase a collection of initiatives and events in the field of Just Transition, as well as spreading knowledge and making guidelines available for union members and workers. -
Five recommendations for a fairer transition in Romania
During the workshop "The future of EU Funds for Cohesion and a Just Transition: with or without workers?", organised in Bucharest by the ETUC, the co-organiser National Trade Union Bloc (BNS) presented 5 public policy recommendations to the government, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. -
New Greek climate alliance to pursue environmental and labour rights
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) is among the members of the Climate Law Alliance, a dialogue platform the Greek trade union has joined to promote the demand for a national climate agenda that has to be fair and ensure inclusive labour and social rights. -
Just Transition Alliance established in the Republic of Ireland
The newly formed alliance of trade unions, environmental NGOs and civil society groups has called, among other things, for the establishment of a National Just Transition Commission that should focus on job retention, protection of living standards, skills development and creation of decent work. -
We raise our voice against the (un)Just Transition in Portugal
In 2021, Portugal's only refining company closed down their site in the northern part of the country, in the name of fighting climate change. However, the environmental issue is just an illusion: profit is the main driving force behind the process, Portuguese workers knew it from the beginning. -
Latvian trade unions must be involved to ensure a real Just Transition in the Baltic country
In Latvia, as well as in many other countries, trade unions are not major players at the table where decisions regarding climate issues are made. However, it is key that employees are involved in the process: therefore, we call for a more inclusive social dialogue concerning environmental matters. -
Norwegian union members roll up their sleeves as they deal with the transition
As the green transition is already happening, the ambitious climate targets need to be reached. In order to do it, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions is ready to play its part, always recalling the importance of dialogue, safety and good quality jobs. -
Initiatives in Belgium to support union members on JT matters
Networks for environmental and occupational issues have been created in each Belgian region by the 3 national unions. Arbeid & Milieu in Flanders, RISE in Wallonia and BRISE in the Brussels-Capital Region are important spaces to discuss about activities and workers involvement in green projects. -
Danish workers' recommendations for an inclusive transition
Employees know how their workplaces work and how to improve them, bearing in mind the challenges related to the twin transition. A panel of 10 Danish workers has made a list of recommendations, with knowledge sharing as the main driver to the workers' participation in the process. -
Transition is ongoing in Galicia's mining industry
The Galician government has launched its Sustainable Mining Agenda 2030, a tool that aims to make the sector a strategic ally for the modernisation of the entire industrial value chain. Among 9 action lines, measures to improve occupational health and safety, and training occupy a prominent place. -
Modernisation of the steel sector in the Moravian-Silesian Region
Czech trade union OS KOVO supports new investments made by two companies to modernise their steel production processes, as these changes are seen as essential to ensure competitiveness of the firms in the face of increased global competition as well as tightening regulatory scrutiny over emissions. -
Public consultation for a Luxembourg in Transition
Lasted for two years, Luxembourg's consultation gathered planning proposals and produced transition scenarios. Bringing together more than 250 participants (including citizens, universities and international guests), the goal is shaping policies towards a fair and inclusive carbon-neutral society. -
New job opportunities for workers leaving the coal mining sector
The mining companies of ZE PAK Group, the corporation that owns coal-fired power plants in the Konin basin of the Wielkopolska region, have signed a cooperation agreement with a provider of outplacement services to support employees who'll lose their job in finding new employment. -
The Austrian "dual system" for training and skills
In the Alpine country, the Vocational Educational Training system has been implemented to face dynamically growing challenges due to digitalisation, climate change and globalisation. This system, which is widely regarded as a "best practice" model, has had a great impact on skills development. -
Transition towards electrification in the German car industry
One of the main German car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz, and the representative trade union in the automotive sector, IG Metall, have made firm steps forward in the direction of a fair and just transition, in the framework of the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles. -
Germany prepares to introduce a one-year leave period for education and training
Germany's Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr. Hubertus Heil, has presented a new planned law, which follows the Austrian model, to make employees fit for change in companies. The idea is to open up additional opportunities for employees in view of the shortage of skilled workers. -
A Transformation Council for Rhineland-Palatinate
The state government of Rhineland-Palatinate, in cooperation with trade unions, the representative of employers' associations and other actors, has created a place to join forces to support employees and companies to become winners of the transformation. -
A new collective agreement to support and make sure the North Sea transition deal becomes a reality
The Energy Services Agreement (ESA) sets base terms and conditions for thousands of employees working offshore in the UK. The collaborative working of the trade unions and industry is an illustration of what is required to deliver a just and green recovery for workers and the UK energy supply chain. -
Environmental fact sheets for a green UGT
UGT has finalised the project “Fichas Ambientales para una #UGTenVERDE”. This is a document which aims to make visible the UGT’s position on the environmental and social challenges associated with the ecological transition.
-
IG Metall - Mobility Report 2022
IG Metall presented its Mobility Report, drafted together with the environmental organisation BUND. Around 20 participants joined their forces to discuss trends, developments and effects of the transition in the mobility sector, looking into the future and providing possible development paths.
-
Sanofi's initiative of retraining for workers in ill-fated jobs
Agreement signed for 20,000 chemical workers in Sanofi that protects workers in jobs under pressure from becoming unemployed. -
A collective agreement to support transition and skills
New agreements and laws have recently come into force in Sweden. A new system has been established; it will provide a reformed public financial aid together with collectively allocated funds to support individual training, upskilling and reskilling.
-
GPA Climate Forum and Best Practice Platform
GPA decided to create a climate forum that will facilitate an exchange across sectors on the challenge of decarbonisation. It will also create a "best practice platform" to showcase Just Transition initiatives. -
Denmark - US agreement on offshore wind energy
Unique agreement in offshore wind energy sector between US building unions and Danish company Ørsted. It promotes good working conditions, equity, apprenticeships, career opportunities and safety. -
ÖGB Just Transition Position Paper
The Austrian Trade Union Confederation sets out its vision of a Just Transition for workers in a comprehensive position paper. -
Trade union perspectives for a fair transition
Our Swedish affiliate UNIONEN has published a report that sets out their trade union perspective on Just Transition and gives practical recommendations on how to involve workers in addressing climate change. -
DGB Projekt Revierwende accompanies the transition of coal regions and workers
The German Trade Union Confederation DGB launched a project to accompany coal regions and workers in the transition process and actively involving them in shaping the transition. For that purpose it set up 6 regional offices in 4 German coal regions. -
Trade unions and employers demand industrial policy and Just Transtion framework to saveguard automotive jobs
IndustriAll Europe's Italian affiliates, FIM, FIOM and UILM have joined forces with employers to demand an industrial policy and Just Transition framework that supports the industrial and ecological transition of the automotive sector and its 70 000 workers in Italy. -
Climate Policy Round Table - Finland
A Climate Policy Round Table was established in Finland to create a common understanding of how the country can make a just transition to a carbon neutral society by 2035. It includes unions, industry and NGOs and is chaired by Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
-
ENEL: Inclusive bargaining protocol - Charter of the Person
Enel and industriAll Europe's affiliates, Filctem-Cgil, Flaei-Cisl and Uiltec, have signed a protocol setting out a framework of labour relations in the context of the twin digital and climate transition. Most importantly it extends to cover suppliers and subcontractors.
-
Just Transition Agreement in Thermal Power Sector
In 2020 the Spanish trade unions together with energy companies and the Spanish government concluded an agreement phasing out thermal power while ensuring a Just Transition of the workforce. -
German Social Partners Chemie sustainability initiative
The Chemie sustainability initiative founded by VCI, IG BCE and BAVC developing sustainability guidelines for the chemical industry in Germany.
-
Spain - Chemical industry - Collective Agreement - July 2021
The Spanish collective agreement for the chemical industry (July 2021) foresees that companies with more than 100 workers may develop a System of Environmental Management. Trade unions may designate a delegate to collaborate on it.
-
BASF in Ludwigshafen - site agreement adressing Green Deal
BASF in Ludwigshafen has had a site agreement for many years. A new one was agreed in 2020 also addressing the Green Deal. Two main objectives are pursued with the site agreements...
-
Enel is about to train 5,500 technicians and better involve workers
Italian electricity and gas group ENEL will offer five weeks of training to 5,500 young people who are unemployed, and have a bachelor’s degree or qualification in electricity or electronics, to form a new team of specialists in energy transition. -
From coal to black pellets. An example of transformation in France.
In France CGT pushes the government to promote a replacement of coal with black pellets in order to maintain employment as part of the transition. -
Safran agreement on development of skills and safeguarding of career paths
To meet the digital and environmental transformation, industriAll Europe and Safran have signed a European agreement which saves jobs by means of skills development. -
ENI - Skills and renewal
Chemical sector in Italy, agreement with oil group ENI which combines early retirement, training and new hiring. A key objective is reduced carbon emissions. -
Polish trade unions sign agreement to plan phase out of hard coal mines
Agreement paves way to phase out coal mining by 2049 and provides for social agreement with job guarantees as well as transformation planning.