Just Transition for mobility workers: Transport and manufacturing workers speak with one voice

In alignment with the upcoming EU Transport Day at COP 28, IndustriAll Europe and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) unite to present their first-ever joint Just Transition demands. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to voice the urgent need for a just and fair transition for the 20 million workers in the European mobility sector.

The climate emergency and the growing concerns over air and noise pollution necessitate a swift transition to sustainable mobility. This transformation, however, must not overlook the workers who are the backbone of the mobility ecosystem – from manufacturing to operations and maintenance.

Recognizing the active role of the European Commission within the COP 28 negotiations, IndustriAll Europe and the ETF stress the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate the perspectives and well-being of mobility workers. The transition to sustainable mobility should be inclusive, ensuring that no worker, industry, or region is left behind.

Judith Kirton-Darling, Acting Joint General Secretary of industriAll Europe, asserts, “While we support the European Green Deal, it is imperative that our transition to a sustainable mobility ecosystem is equitable. Every voice deserves to be heard, and every worker deserves a fair chance in this transformation.”

“The shortage of workers and skills are affecting both transport and manufacturing with severe economic consequences and compromising the green transformation. The transformation to a sustainable and fair mobility ecosystem needs both a European transport policy, promoting a sustainable mobility revolution, as well as an ambitious European industrial policy which guarantee just transition and invest in workers.” says Sabine Trier, Deputy General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation.

As part of this initiative, IndustriAll Europe and the ETF are committed to:

• Jointly lobby European institutions for a comprehensive investment plan that supports a Just Transition in the mobility sector.
• Enhancing sectoral cooperation and dialogue between the two federations.
• Encouraging national-level collaboration among affiliates to further these goals.

The focus at COP 28 and beyond should not only be on environmental targets but also on the social and employment impacts of these transitions. The collaboration between IndustriAll Europe and the ETF at COP 28 signifies a critical step towards a holistic approach, integrating transport and industrial policies while prioritizing the well-being and future of Europe’s mobility workers.