25 May 2018
This should be credited to Paul Tolich, Senior Industrial Officer, E tū.
“E tū supports the Government’s commitment to a Just Transition as it moves the country to a non-carbon future.
“The union also welcomes the assurance by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern that no current jobs will be affected by
the announcement last month that there will be no permits issued this year for off-shore oil and gas exploration.
“We also support and welcome the commitment to investment and development in diverse new industries in the Taranaki
region, where so many of our members are based.
“We accept the reality of climate change and believe it’s important that we start preparing now for the transition to a
non-carbon economy over the next 30 years. This is the first step in a plan for the future.
“A start has to be made now so this is a gradual change and people and communities can make the adjustment. This cannot
be left to chance. We saw what happened when the economy restructured during the 1980s where there was no plan for new
jobs for the people affected by those changes. That cannot happen this time. This time we have a plan with our
commitment to a Just Transition.
“If there is to be a carbon-free future, then there has to be a government-supported plan that will quickly produce new,
clean technologies in New Zealand. These will provide the new jobs in the energy industry of the future.
“Climate change and the drive to a non-carbon future are shaping our response – hence our support for the Just
Transition process. But we must continue to campaign to turn a Just Transition plan into tangible results – specifically
the production of goods and services by workers in new, quality jobs which are both skilled and well paid.
“This is our challenge. We are prepared to take this up on behalf of our members and their families.”
ends