Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

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VTHC Climate Change Working Group

Climate change is union business because it requires a major economic shift – one that will impact on some industries, some companies and some jobs.

Unions have always led progressive change. It is time that Australians did our part in looking after our environment. Unions will always advocate in the interests of working people.

A Victorian Issue

Victorians have felt the effects of climate change and have suffered through years of drought, followed by extreme weather events like the Black Saturday bush fires, the 2009 heatwave and the 2011 devastating January flood.

These events have taken many lives and destroyed communities - including 3,760 homes and have financially cost the economy in excess of $6.4 billion.

Climate change will affect Victorian jobs. Industries and work practices will change. Opportunities will be available to create new industries and existing communities need support to transition to a low carbon economy.

Federal, state and local governments must deliver a plan for Victorian communities. This plan must be matched with funding. It must target communities who are most effected. And it must provide regionally based incentives so that new jobs can be developed in these communities.

If we don’t do it, Victoria will be left behind. 32 countries and 10 US states have already introduced a price on carbon and have started funding renewable technologies.

Australia is rich with solar, wind, wave and other clean energy sources. Building these technologies is key to delivering good jobs to our communities.

VTHC Climate Change Working Group

The VTHC Climate change working group was established to organise around issues of climate change and the environment. Unions recognise the need for action and are also committed to ensure that working people are not disadvantaged by adaptation measures.

We invite representatives of community and environmental groups to attend our meetings in an effort to foster on going alliances, co-operation and understanding.

The group is open to representatives of all affiliated unions.

The VTHC Climate Change Working Group Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10.30am.