Climate change and a just transition

In the services sector

Sustainability that protects workers’ rights.

Climate change affects workplaces through rising temperatures, disrupted transport and services, and changing occupational requirements. Decisions on energy efficiency, equipment changes and operating methods can affect the skills needed, working time and work costs. Service-sector workers therefore need meaningful involvement in discussing these decisions, rather than learning their consequences only after implementation.

The Public Services Workers’ Union in Nablus Governorate views sustainability as a labour and social issue too. The transition to an economy less harmful to the environment should preserve dignity, offer learning opportunities and protect those whose income or jobs may be affected. This approach rests on dialogue, participation, training and social protection.

What is a just transition?

A just transition manages economic and environmental change by linking reduced environmental harm with decent work and fairness. It considers how the opportunities and burdens of transition are distributed among workers, employers and society, paying particular attention to those least able to bear losses.

ILO guidelines emphasise social dialogue, skills, social protection and labour rights. Replacing technology or modifying a service should therefore open discussion about the future of jobs, training, income and safety, as well as operational efficiency.

How does this affect service workers?

Delivery and field work

Heat and weather conditions may change workloads and the time needed to complete tasks. The response begins with risk assessment, work organisation and prevention suited to the task.

Offices and digital services

Energy efficiency and automation may change operating methods. Training, task allocation and tool costs should be discussed before imposing new requirements on workers.

Cleaning and support services

Materials and equipment may change when environmentally preferable alternatives are adopted. Their risks must be understood and guidance and protection provided; an environmental label alone is not enough.

What does the union demand during any transition?

Involve worker representatives early and explain the reasons for change, its stages and its expected effects on jobs.
Accessible training for new skills, with discussion of its time, cost and accessibility for women and young people.
Examine alternatives that preserve jobs and avoid shifting transition costs to more vulnerable groups without protection.
Linking environmental measures to occupational safety, working conditions and social protection, and regularly reviewing their impact.

Change that involves workers

Workers have practical knowledge of their workplace: where resources are wasted, which procedures hinder work and what skills colleagues need. Turning this knowledge into collective proposals helps build workable solutions and avoids merely symbolic measures.

Participation does not mean workers alone bear responsibility for the climate crisis or its costs. Responsibilities must be clearly shared among establishments, public authorities and workers, distinguishing existing legal obligations from demands for improvement that require dialogue and policy.

From awareness to action

What is our union’s role?

Sharing knowledge

The union connects environmental discussions with wages, safety and skills, making concepts accessible to workers across service occupations.

Representing workers’ interests

It seeks to include the effects of change on jobs, training and income in dialogue with employers and the bodies concerned.

Advocating a fair transition

It emphasises protecting the groups most exposed to impacts and ensuring equal participation in new opportunities, rather than leaving workers to face the transition alone.

Sustainability and justice are complementary goals. ILO guidelines inform our advocacy, while the details of local obligations and measures remain linked to current legislation and policies.

For a fuller picture

Frequently asked questions

Is a just transition limited to energy sectors?

No. It can involve changes in services, equipment, transport, buildings and skills across many sectors. Its effects vary by establishment, occupation and how change is implemented.

Does this page announce grants or compensation for workers?

No. The page presents the union’s role and approach to awareness-raising, representation and advocacy. It does not announce a fund, financial benefit or specific support programme.

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References

Awareness content explaining the union’s role. Consult the laws in force and the competent authorities when examining an individual case.