FIRST UNION MEDIA RELEASE
Union Runanga and Fono representatives support Just Transition for at-risk workers
FIRST Union Maori and Pasifika members attending their biennial hui have called on the Government to take the twin
threats of climate change and automation seriously and ensure a Just Transition for lower-paid workers on the
frontlines, noting that Māori and Pasifika workers will be disproportionately affected by technological change and
impending environmental collapse, FIRST Union said today.
“We need to be prepared for the inevitable,” said Grahame Andrews, FIRST Union delegate and Runanga convener. “The
future of work is going to rely on a low-carbon economy, and workers in sunset industries need a pathway for a
transition into sustainable jobs that are fit for the future.”
“Young people are marching in the streets and our Runanga and Fono support their mana and dedication, but we’re also
worried about our low-paid workers at the coal face – so to speak – who won’t always have a decent plan in place for
their future in a carbon-neutral world.”
“Automation is also a major threat that will overwhelmingly affect Māori and Pasifika workers, who are often in low-paid
positions that may be disestablished by companies who have an overwhelming focus on profit and very little on ensuring
workers have a safety net for the day automation becomes cheaper than human labour.”
FIRST Union’s Hui Fono is taking place in Ngongotaha between October 1-3rd, and union delegates from around the country
are meeting to discuss industrial issues affecting Māori and Pasifika workers. FIRST Union represents workers in diverse
industries that may be affected by climate change and automation such as energy workers, call centre workers, transport
workers and other customer service workers affected by the increasing digitisation of many front-facing roles.
Among FIRST Union’s key suggestions for a Just Transition and a post-automation future are compulsory redundancy
compensation and significantly increased Government investment in industry strategies that promote local and sustainable
jobs.
“These aren’t problems caused by workers, but they’re the ones who deal with the effects,” said Terry Tuiletufuga, FIRST
Union delegate and Fono convener. “The onus should be on employers and Government to prepare as a country and work in
solidarity with each other.”
“Our discussions here at the hui have been fruitful, and it reminds us that workers have valuable expertise to lend to
any Just Transition process or wider conversation about the future of work.”
ENDS