The Australian trade union movements engagement with just transition and the green economy

Many policymakers, unions and businesses have embraced the idea of green jobs and a green economy.  This enthusiasm for environmentally sound job creation received a significant shot in the arm at the end of 2008, in the context of the global financial crisis, as an important element in the solution to the world’s economic and ecological concerns.  However, the connection between work and combating environmental problems is an area of significant contestation.  This has resulted in highly varied understandings of what constitutes a green job and a green economy.  The aim of this paper is to establish how Australian unions are responding to the environmental challenge of climate change.  This analysis will focus on the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) which as a union has repeatedly encouraged the position that responding to climate change represents an opportunity for the AMWU and its members.  An examination of the AMWU’s positive disposition toward green job opportunities and industries will be developed as an example of the different interpretations which surround green jobs and just transition to a green economy.