IEU Council endorses motion in support of the Global Climate Strike on 25 March 2022
Motion in support of Global Climate Strike:
Recent bushfires, heatwaves and floods have made it clear to millions of workers in Australia that we are living through a climate emergency. But Scott Morrison’s “Gas-Fired Recovery” plan is fast-tracking approval for gas projects and pouring millions of dollars of public money into new gas infrastructure at a time when we desperately need to shift away from fossil fuels and create jobs in renewable energy.
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, there is a desperate need for government action to create new, ongoing jobs. Many thousands of jobs could be created through massive investment in publicly owned and operated renewable energy, public transport and other infrastructure needed to rapidly decarbonise the economy. With proper planning, this would ensure a just transition for fossil-fuel workers and secure a future for other essential industries, workplaces and communities currently reliant on fossil-fuels.
To ensure that these jobs are well paid and secure, the union movement will have to play a central role in fighting for the transition we need.
Workers and unions have historically played an important role in fighting to protect the environment and our community, from the Green Bans of the BLF and the anti-uranium movement of the 1970s and 80s, to supporting struggles for First Nations’ land rights.
We stand proudly in this tradition and pledge to support striking students on March 25.
This branch will:
- Endorse the March 25 Climate Strike
- Publicise the strike and rally to all members and;
- Organise a contingent to attend the rally on the day
We aim to mobilise the widest possible section of workers in our union to attend the rally and join students in their demands for:
- No new coal, oil and gas, including the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project and the Kurri Kurri Gas Plant
- 100% renewable energy and exports by 2030.
- Funding for a just transition and jobs for fossil fuel workers & their communities.
