The Katholische Arbeitnehmerbewegung Deutschlands (KAB - Catholic Workers’ Movement of Germany) and its European partner movements (KAB Austria, KVW (Katholischer Verband der Werktätigen - Catholic Association of Workers, South Tyrol) organised a seminar in KönzgenHaus. The event was entitled “Working and co-determination in the socio-ecological transformation”, and provided a platform for committed individuals from trade unions and other workers’ organisations to address issues of power, justice and ownership in the energy supply. The event was organised in cooperation with EZA and funded by the European Union.
Why was the seminar important at this time? We are in a “multi-faceted crisis” (Prof. Wissen) in which capitalism is reaching its ecological limits. As neither technical solutions nor “green capitalism” are enough, it has been crucial to focus on the issue of distribution. Against the backdrop of rising energy prices, workers’ organisations must develop their own solutions to the issue of ownership to counterbalance the shift to the right with a perspective based on solidarity.
Participant structure: 19 representatives of workers’ organisations from Germany, Austria and Italy/South Tyrol attended the seminar. The speakers gave their presentations and also actively participated in the entire discussion process, which enabled more in-depth exchanges across all the levels of the organisations represented.
Topics and discussions: The program combined theoretical analysis, theological reflection and practical explorations:
The limits of capitalism: Prof. Wissen stated that true transformation requires the socialisation of key infrastructures. Ecological issues are inextricably linked to the issue of social class.
Theology of energy: Prof. Grau contrasted fossil fuel “promises of salvation” with biblical justice and the Sabbath commandment as ethical conduct when dealing with limited resources.
Trade union practice and the “just transition”: Tobias Krupp (DGB (Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (German Trade Union Confederation)) and Jonas Langen (ÖGB (Österreichischer Gewerkschaftsbund - Austrian Trade Union Federation)) used the structural change in the Emscher-Lippe region (phasing out of coal), to demonstrate how job security and ecological necessity can be considered together (“just transition”).
Excursions and workshops:
At TRIMET (one of the largest aluminium producers in Germany and France) in Gelsenkirchen, the attempt to make aluminium production climate-neutral through the addition of hydrogen and to become the “greenest aluminium plant” was discussed.
The guided tour of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex highlighted the historical dimensions of coal for the Ruhr region and indicated how social hardships during closures could be mitigated through government programs and the influence of social partners.
A workshop in the Climate Community Saerbeck demonstrated how citizen participation and local energy autonomy can work in practice. It became clear that the involvement of many cooperation partners, particularly the social partners, was crucial.
Results of the seminar and demands: The working groups formulated clear positions for political work:
Democratisation of the energy supply: Energy is a public service. The participants stated that energy production and networks should be increasingly transferred to citizens and workers (cooperatives) or municipal authorities to reduce profit motives.
Distributive justice: The slogan “Stolen money – stolen future”, is a call to use wealth to finance the transformation, as opposed to placing workers under a burden.
Social warmth vs right-wing cold: Climate protection must be conveyed in direct contact as an improvement in quality of life to avoid leaving the prerogative of interpretation to right-wing actors.
Implementation in our daily work: Three strategic approaches were explored in greater depth for practical further work:
Boost participation: Dr. Anja Salzer presented the model of “climate citizens' councils”. The participants took from the seminar methods to promote participatory formats that develop solutions oriented towards the common good.
Build resilience: Dr. Philipp Ackermann introduced the concept of “Solidarity-based prepping”. Unlike right-wing scenarios, this approach is intended to be used in local groups to build networks of mutual assistance in crisis situations and to implement practical ways of strengthening the community.
New approach: Dr. Jan-Niklas Collet outlined an “eco-emancipatory strategy”. In our daily work, this will translate into ceasing to argue rationally, but also reaching people emotionally (“personal orientation in the catastrophe”) and regaining the ability to act through solidarity alliances.