Fossil Fuel Treaty trade union model motion

Type: Other
Date: 6 January 2025
Campaigns: Climate

The support of trade unions at branch, regional and national level, is a vital part of building the momentum across the country for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (further info here). If you pass the following motion, or a version thereof, please let us know: [email protected]

The Fossil Fuel Treaty and a just transition for workers

This branch/region/union notes:

1. That global temperatures are already 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels thanks in large part to the burning of fossil fuels, whose use continues to rise.
2. That escalating extreme weather events are happening the world over, but are often affecting worst those countries and communities least responsible for climate breakdown.
3. That a growing global campaign, supported by 13 nation states, over 100 cities worldwide and thousands of civil society organisations is calling for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to ensure a just transition and a rapid exit from the fossil fuel era.
4. That Global Justice Now is spearheading this campaign in the UK, and that Unison endorsed the treaty at its 2024 national conference.

This branch/region/union believes:

1. That the UN climate talks have so far failed to deal with the central problem of fossil fuel production and use.
2. That a just energy transition for workers around the world requires planning on a global scale and that UN climate talks, while important, are not able to move at the speed required.
3. That a Fossil Fuel Treaty could quickly and fairly phase out fossil fuel production, so that those with the greatest historical responsibility end fossil fuels first and support others to do so.
4. That such a treaty is also needed to ensure that no worker, community or country is left behind by the transition to clean energy.

This branch/region/union resolves:

1. To support the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and to publicise this to our members.
2. To work with Global Justice Now to encourage local councils, devolved governments and the UK government to support the treaty, as appropriate.
3. [delete as appropriate] To send this motion to the union’s regional/national conference.
4. [optional] To affiliate this branch/region/union to Global Justice Now at the appropriate annual *

* The affiliation rate for union branches is £35/year, with regional and national rates depending on membership size. For more information, see www.globaljustice.org.uk/affiliate