Text of the motion supported by Community at the 32nd IMF World Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden.
RESOLUTION 1
Climate Change - Taking the power back
submitted by the Steel Action Group on climate change
Climate change is a growing concern to us all. The evidence for global impact caused by human activity is now overwhelming. This resolution calls on the International Metalworkers’ Federation to build international solidarity amongst
metalworkers in the lead up to Copenhagen 2009. It is vitally important that the IMF provides a powerful voice for workers in the lead up to any new international framework and its implementation.
We believe only the International Metalworkers’ Federation has the ability to build the necessary international solidarity to prevent the current global economic crisis being followed by an equally devastating environmental crisis. All nations must take urgent action, however developed nations have a special responsibility due to their historical carbon emissions. They also have a responsibility to ensure
technology transfer to less developed countries.
We congratulate the IMF for developing a steel sector policy on this issue but believe this approach should be broadened to encompass all metalworking industries as all stand to be affected by any new international agreement.
Workers have the right to be involved, and with strong leadership and intervention to ensure the market alone is not relied upon to determine the rate of carbon emissions reduction, we can secure job growth and a cleaner safer planet for future generations. Experience has shown the dangers of allowing the market to regulate itself.
A shift to a lower carbon economy is not just necessary but increasingly inevitable, however we can not allow this to happen in a chaotic way which leaves ordinary workers, their families and communities to bear the brunt.
Such injustice cannot become a feature of environmental transition, not only would it be morally wrong and socially damaging but it would undermine this vital and urgent shift.
In this context we call on the IMF to:
- Promote a metalworkers position in the international area including participation in Copenhagen 2009.
- Establish solidarity and common positions amongst its affiliates on climate change issues.
- Support a binding international agreement that provides for significant and rapid carbon reduction targets, whilst recognising that the central debate must be on how to reduce emissions (a social cost) without sacrificing employment (a social benefit).
- Develop strategies to engage with national and international agencies such as the United Nations, OECD, ILO etc.
- Develop policy positions on climate change which link environmental, economic and social sustainability.
- Produce some practical materials for distribution amongst affiliates
- Seek to expand the IMF steel sector agreement to other industries where there is common interest.
- Subsequently seek discussions with other global union federations in order to facilitate coordination of climate change policy across industrial sectors.