Brussels, 6 November 2009 (ITUC OnLine): With governments ending their discussions in Barcelona in the final preparatory
negotiation before the December Copenhagen climate change conference, the trade union movement has again stressed the
need for an ambitious, fair and legally-binding agreement.
“Leaders of the world meeting in Copenhagen must not accept failure as an option” said Guy Ryder, ITUC General
Secretary. “Success will be measured by the legal status of its outcome, emissions reductions and financial commitments
from developed countries established as a basis for future negotiations, as well as the actions to be taken by
developing countries to achieve low-carbon development. A just and fair result will be a critical benchmark for
success.”
Copenhagen must include commitments on social justice in the transition towards low carbon and climate-resilient
economies. “We welcome the renewed support of several governments to the concept of Just Transition, which is present in
the negotiating text” said Ryder. “The labour movement at all levels will maintain its pressure to ensure that the
Copenhagen outcome is fair for the planet and fair for working people.”
“We call on the governments of the world to assume their responsibilities, ignore short-sighted positions and turn the
political momentum gained around climate change into obtaining an ambitious and just outcome in Copenhagen”, Ryder
added.
ITUC positions on climate change can be found at http://climate.ituc-csi.org
The ITUC represents 170 million workers in 158 countries and territories and has 316 national affiliates.
ENDS