The STUC will work with NGOs and trade
unions internationally to press for a
Just Transition as part of a binding international
deal at the UN Conference on Climate Change
due to be held this year in Paris, which
is “critical for the future of the
planet.”
UNISON’s Pat Rowland told delegates
that a Just Transition will ensure that
the costs and benefits of switching to
a low carbon economy are fairly distributed,
with workers involved in planning.
Pat was speaking to UNISON’s amendment
to a GMB motion, which introduced measures
to tackle fuel poverty, as part of greening
the economy and social justice.
“Climate change is one of the most
urgent challenges we face and the United
Nations talks in Paris in December are
critical,” said Pat.
“UNISON represents workers in the
energy industry. We want to see public,
democratic ownership of energy. But in
the meantime, it’s important that
the STUC General Council demands energy
market reforms that safeguard workers
and all of us as customers.
“We oppose a race to the bottom
that sacrifices service quality and sees
massive job losses.
Pat added, “As we all know, fuel
poverty is increasing to frightening levels.
Nearly a million households are in fuel
poverty in Scotland, the highest levels
recorded.”
She told delegates that the average annual
energy bill is now £260 higher than
in 2010, and the poorest 10% of households
have seen their energy bills rise nearly
twice as fast as everyone else, while
also being hit by welfare benefits cuts
and/or pay freezes and squeezes. At the
same time, the profit margins of the ‘Big
Six’ suppliers have doubled from
4% to 8%.
“This is a scandal,” slammed
Pat.
She reminded delegates of the Scottish
Government’s duty through the Housing
Act to eradicate fuel poverty as far as
is practically possible by November 2016.
“We need major investment in energy
efficiency, a win win policy for helping
deliver warm homes and emissions cuts.
We need an end to damaging austerity policies
that are inflicting such harm on the most
vulnerable people.
“And the Scottish Government must
step up after missing the first three
annual targets under Scotland’s
climate change legislation, much-touted
as ‘world-leading’.”
Referring delegates to UNISON’s
2014 report ‘Warm Homes into the
Future’ which sets out how to meet
the UK’s energy challenges, Pat
urged, “If we want to set an example
here and at the same time call on world
leaders to agree in Paris to strong action,
we need politicians at UK and Scottish
levels to make sure energy policy and
energy efficiency investment works for
people and for the planet.”
