Sharan Burrow, ACTU Support Climate Change Initiative

President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Sharan Burrow, recently said that that is “no question” that climate change will eventually become a standard clause in a union log of claims (a claim is something that a union would bargain to have included in a collective workplace agreement).  Ms Burrow said “We are confident you can reduce energy and water use by enormous amounts just by looking at the nature of the work practice…we also think you can generate healthier workplaces … and the nature of the working environment’s design.  “We know that we have a long way to go by way of recycling and the products that are used can be examined for their energy efficiencies.” (The Australian, March 06).  

The Union of Greens and Workers

Dr Carla Lipsig-Mummi published a very interesting article in The Age recently. Lipsig-Mummi clear identifies the importance of trade unions in effectively tackling climate change. Trade unions are source of people power which can be leveraged to force companies to introduce environmental best practice. However, the story of conflict between environmentalists and trade unionists in Australia has to this point been needlessly acrimonious.

Kevin Rudd’s 20/20 Summit

The great thing about Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s planned summit is that it represents an opportunity for the trade union movement to shape the politico-economic landscape of Australia. An opportunity which has not been present for at least a generation. I have a policy proposal which combines workign rights with our ongoing sustainability, prosperity, and empowering the most disadvantaged within our community. I call it the Sustainable Development Investment Bank (SDIB).