ANTHROPY25: Paul Nowak - Trade Unions Are Essential To A Just Transition

For the final episode in our Anthropy special series, we speak with Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), representing 48 unions and 5.5 million workers across every sector of the UK economy. Paul shares a powerful perspective on ensuring a just transition to a sustainable economy, drawing on his personal experience growing up in Merseyside during the industrial changes of the 1980s and 1990s. He discusses the importance of bringing workers to the table when planning for sustainability transitions, the role public services can play in reducing emissions, and why skills development is crucial to sustainable economic transformation. Paul argues that without fairness at the heart of the transition, we risk having no transition at all.🎯 Key Takeaways1. Just transition requires concrete plans, not warm wordsWorkers in carbon-intensive industries need clear pathways for their future, not distant promisesPeople have a right to be around the table and shape their own futureWithout fairness at the centre of sustainability transitions, there will be no transition at allExample: Oil and gas workers in Aberdeen need specific plans, not vague assurances2. De-industrialisation is not a viable path to net zeroOffshoring emissions by importing steel and other materials is not a sustainable solutionMaintaining an industrial base in the UK that complements net zero objectives is essentialGreen technologies like electric arc furnaces for steel and carbon capture must be part of the mixThe UK should maximise domestic supply chains in renewable industries to support good jobs3. Public services can lead the way in emission reductionGovernment can use procurement power to ensure taxpayer money is spent sustainably4 million union members in public services could help drive the transitionLeading by example in the public sector makes it easier to ask private sector to followHealthcare delivery models can be reimagined for better patient outcomes and sustainability4. Workers need to be involved in net zero planningCompanies should draw up net zero plans in consultation with their workforce"Union green reps" can function like shop stewards for climate change in workplacesFrontline workers often have the best insights into making operations more sustainableSmall employers in transitioning sectors need particular support5. Flexibility and lifelong learning are key skills for the futureEmployers themselves often don't know what skills they'll need in 5 yearsEducation system should prioritise adaptability over specific employer requirementsRetraining throughout working life needs to become normalisedUK employers invest about half the EU average in skills and need to increase this⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Establish workplace "green reps"2. Develop transition plans collaboratively3. Reimagine service delivery models❓ Got a question?Ask us and we'll try our best to answer it in the [email protected]🔄 Share Your ImpactLet us know how you implemented these actionsSubmit your case studyJoin our Sustainability Solved...