Climate panel of employees call for climate action!

10 Danish workers behind climate report

The panel consists of 10 workers representing 10 different work sectors and 10 different labor unions. The panel have had meetings with experts and representatives from NGO’s and employers’ organizations.

The recommendations are supposed to be seen as an idea catalog – perhaps not all of the proposed ideas fit in your company and maybe some of them are just not possible to implement right away.

Thus, each company and unions should look at the recommendations as suggestive ideas that each can use as they see fit.

Also read: Danish companies encourage further education for a just green transition

Electrician: Creating a safe environment is crucial

Creating a safe environment for the workers to not worry about their job security is crucial according to the panel. In Bravida the management have created an app to communicate with the workers about climate changes and sustainability goals in the workplace.

Torsten Smærup, electrician in Bravida and member of the board of Danish Union of Electricians: “While working here we won’t become unemployed because of the green transition – we are just going to be doing something different.

The technology is changing and our craftmanship is changing. We need for example to be able to advise costumers even more on energy saving solutions. For example, with electrical traction in buildings. By every sustainable supply we can deliver, I view us as more attractive in the industry. That is what makes me sure, that I also have a job tomorrow”

Several of the recommendations also call for the management to prioritize workers ability to experience themselves as a part of the green transition.

Focusing on further education and building general knowledge and a common understanding between workers and managers is also highlighted in the report.

Also read: State of the Union: Ursula von der Leyen highlights the need for more green and good jobs

Former nurse: Listen to us!

Some of the more concrete recommendations to act upon the need for a sustainable workplace are about creating forums and channels for the workers to know, how they can speak with the management about new green ideas.

Christina Berthon Kirkegaard, representative of the Danish Trade Union of nurses, says: “There are so many good, green ideas among the workers.

That is why it is important, that the leaders listen and support us. It was because of that, I was able to get my project going”

Labour market news in danish? Visit the web site from Danish Trade Union Confederation

Christina found a way to recycle the plastic used in the operating rooms at a Danish hospital she worked in. The project began on one floor and because of the support of one of the leaders it has today spread to the entire hospital.

The great results in the report by the Climate Panel shows, that a green transition, where workers are involved, listened to and educated, are the way to go for a just green transition.’