A one-day conference with buffet lunch, in which TUC will launch its new climate change manifesto.

Trade Unions & Climate Change - A Just Transition

The TUC is organising a national one-day conference on 16 June 2008, to demonstrate the scale and ambition of trade union engagement in the challenge of climate
change, nationally and in support of a new UN treaty.

Keynote speakers:
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP Secretary of State for the Environment
Frances O’Grady TUC Deputy General Secretary

A national one-day conference and debate on trade unions and climate change, with Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, a Green Academy of six themed workshops, and a plenary debate with an expert panel.

This conference explores the necessity for a ‘Just Transition’ in the rapid shift to a low-carbon society. Trade unions have a leading role to play in this transition:

• Because of their responsibility towards the workers they represent.
• To ensure that it is not they who bear the brunt of environmentally-driven polices.
• In the workplace, by engaging workers and employers in building sustainable workplaces.
• Through the promotion of social justice beyond the workplace and tackling inequality on the national and international stage.

At the conference, the TUC will publish A Just Transition: Trade unions and climate change, a groundbreaking report calling for a green and decent jobs strategy that involves trade unions, social protection measures and skills and training initiatives.

International negotiations on a future post-2012 Kyoto climate change treaty have reached a critical stage. The conference will hear from Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP on how the UK is meeting its national and global obligations, and discuss the ITUC’s priorities for the new treaty.

Chaired by Paul Noon, General Secretary of Prospect and TUC General Council lead on the environment, the conference will be a major opportunity for delegates to challenge and contribute to the debate on unions and climate change. With key contributions from the TUC’s Green Union Leaders.

Monday 16th June 2008, 9am- 4.30pm,
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3LS

This is a free conference which includes buffet lunch.
Closing date for registration 11th June although places are strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Please see attachment for more details.