UASA Media Release: 19 April 2024
Image source: ITUC Press.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA congratulates the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Just Transition Centre (JTC) for being awarded the 2024 WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award in recognition of its support for workers’ rights in the global shift towards an environmentally and socially sustainable future.
According to the ITUC, the award highlights the JTC’s role in translating the “Just Transition” concept into tangible actions and meaningful progress worldwide. UASA is proud of the JTC’s work with the ITUC affiliates, actively involved in Just Transition and climate change matters.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is affiliated to the ITUC. The JTC provides concrete support to ITUC affiliates through capacity building, peer-to-peer learning and documenting best practices. The aim is to ensure that workers transitioning to new sectors or roles have access to necessary skills training, social protection and safety measures.
Through its affiliation with FEDUSA, UASA is proud to have been actively involved in the federation’s national conferences and workshops addressing climate change challenges and a way forward on just transition sustainability, inclusive economies and labour protection. In 2021, FEDUSA adopted its Climate Change Policy.
Among other things, the award highlights the JTC’s work, including:
- Facilitating dialogue among stakeholders in South Africa and Indonesia, leading to significant policy reforms and an enhanced role for workers in the transition process.
- Empowering local communities in Los Angeles through collaborative projects to secure stable, well-paid jobs while addressing environmental and health concerns.
- Promoting cross-sectoral just transition policies and programmes in Brazil.
UASA commends the ITUC JTC for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the Just Transition concept supports workers’ rights and that we all transition into a socially sustainable future.
Ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April 2024, which will be observed under the theme “Exploring the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety”, UASA believes that winning the 2024 WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is a notable victory for labour organisations working for fair rights and a just economy for all workers around the world.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162 .