Trade Union Supports Student’s Climate Strikes
FIRST Union backs all youth taking to the streets this Friday for Climate Justice.
Thousands of youth around Aotearoa will be joining the collective actions of other young people from almost 100 other
countries around the world in walking out of school to strike for climate justice.
School Strikes for Climate is a movement inspired by 16 year old Greta Thunberg in Sweden, who started striking on her
own. In New Zealand the focus of the campaign is to, ‘Move New Zealand beyond fossil fuels and get the job done of
moving us to 100% renewable energy for all!’
More here: https://www.schoolstrike4climatenz.com
FIRST Union Just Transition Spokesperson Justin Wallace says he’s blown away by the activism he’s seen with youth groups
with regards to their future.
“My own daughter is taking action today and I’m very proud, a society that functions for everyone is one that has
outspoken people. To see youth taking charge of their future this way is very commendable.”
Mr Wallace says Climate Change is now very real for everyone.
“The adults who today are blown away by the action from young people need to support them as they show that they want to be a voice heard in this global movement. They are the future
workers who need to be assured that there will be work in the new era of Just Transition.”
Meanwhile, FIRST Union is working on a Just Transition for all workers.
He emphasises the need for everyone to be included in a Just Transition.
“Many workers in the sectors we represent will be and are those affected first by the change coming. We are working in
collaboration with various sectors to make sure workers aren’t left in the lurch, and from the planning I’ve seen this
will open up whole new sectors but we need to ensure the training is in place to transfer skills to the right areas. Our
members are already considering what their future could look like. Climate Change is no longer deniable, without a
healthy planet there will be no jobs.”
ENDS