Equity is proud to sign up to the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, a global campaign aiming to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy for everyone. The Treaty aims to end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and equitably phase out existing production.
In signing up, Equity accompanies the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in being the latest UK trade unions to back the initiative. They join existing union signatories Unison, UCU, NEU, BAFWU and the TUC. Globally, trade unions representing over 30 million workers are backing the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
Equity members understand the impact that catastrophic climate change will have on communities in the UK and across the world, and that to avoid this we need a well-managed phase out of coal, oil and gas production.
Paul W Fleming, Equity General Secretary
Paul W Fleming, Equity general secretary, said: “Equity members understand the impact that catastrophic climate change will have on communities in the UK and across the world, and that to avoid this we need a well-managed phase out of coal, oil and gas production. That is why we have endorsed the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, which has the commitment to fair and fast transition for workers, communities and countries around the world as one of its central pillars.”
Equity’s Council passed a motion committing the union to sign the Treaty Initiative and this builds on grassroots activism within the union on climate issues.
The support from Equity, FBU members and many other trade unions in the UK is a powerful reminder that workers are essential partners in the pursuit of real climate solutions.
Alexandre Naulot, EU Campaigner, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative
The union’s Equity for a Green New Deal Network has spearheaded changes and improvements to mainstream climate issues into both the work of the union and the industrial agreements struck with employers. A move last year brought the default Equity Pension Scheme into a greener, more progressive fund. And the Green Rider launched two years ago has been used extensively on production sets to improve the environmental impact of those working in the industry.
Describing the endorsement by Equity as “fantastic”, Ken Penton, UK Advisor, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative said: “Equity members know that climate change is happening now and will have a devastating impact on working people and the communities they live in around the world if we don’t speed up the move away from climate change-causing coal, oil and gas.”
Equity’s endorsement underscores the involvement of workers and trade unions as essential to achieving a truly just and fair transition to sustainable energy that reflects the needs and protects the rights of workers. The UK’s Labour Government, was among 80 countries that supported the call for a global road map to phase out fossil fuels at COP 30 and, last week, reiterated its commitment not to issue new licences to explore new oil and gas.
Alexandre Naulot, EU Campaigner, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, said: “The support from Equity, FBU members and many other trade unions in the UK is a powerful reminder that workers are essential partners in the pursuit of real climate solutions. Their voices strengthen the call for a Treaty that protects communities and workers, ensuring a transition that leaves no one behind.”
The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative is spurring international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C and develop plans to support workers, communities and countries dependent on fossil fuels to create secure and healthy livelihoods. Find out more here.
