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Promoting green technologies: the need for a pro-active labor market approach

The seminar "Promoting green technologies: the need for a pro-active labor market approach" took place between 23-26 May 2024, in Băile-Felix, Padiș Hotel in cooperation with EZA and funded by the European Union. The seminar was attended by 40 representatives of workers’ organisations from Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, Poland, Portugal.

Important aspects highlighted during the seminar:

  • The transition from a polluting energy-based economy to a clean economy is a clear necessity in the context of climate change and environmental degradation;

  • Climate change due to the pollution generated by an economy based on technologies using energy generated from polluting resources affects the quality of life and requires urgent action to replace this type of economy with a green economy;

  • The impact that the transition to the green economy will have on the labor market and industrial relations is not yet fully assessed;

  • Trade unions must be prepared to negotiate, through social dialogue, working conditions appropriate to this transition without affecting workers' job security;

  • The transition to a green economy is a step that must be supported by measures to offset any impact that would lead to unemployment and social exclusion for some workers;

  • Businesses will also benefit as new opportunities arise in areas where Europe aims to establish global standards. Jobs are expected to be created, for example, in renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings and processes;

  • The European Green Deal establishes deadlines that may not be equally achievable for all European countries.

Conclusions of the Seminar

  • The impact of the transition to the green economy is experienced differently across EU countries;

  • Some green energy approaches may impact the environment. Ground-mounted solar panels can affect soil quality;

  • The rapid phase-out of mineral resources can damage the economies of many countries in the short term;

  • The need to switch to a green economy is something we must pursue without hesitation;

  • Trade unions must protect workers from the effects of this transition by demanding, within the framework of social dialogue, that active measures be found and implemented to avoid unemployment and social exclusion.