ABSTRACT
The views of trade unions representing the affected workers and the communities are seldom considered as a part of the Just Transition discourse.
Against this backdrop, the first objective of the chapter is to explore trade unions’ views on what constitutes a Just Transition in the coal sector, their expectations from financing mechanisms, and their role in negotiating terms that protect workers’ rights and livelihoods of the affected communities. This chapter therefore underscores the importance of integrating trade unions’ views in the conceptualisation and financing of Just Transitions, highlighting their pivotal role in advocating for the socio-economic welfare of workers and communities impacted by the coal phase-out.
The second objective of the chapter is to analyse the financing mechanisms necessary for a Just Transition. This chapter will therefore provide a critical evaluation of different funding models on three parameters – namely, the effectiveness in addressing resource scarcity, the (mis)alignment of financial instruments with affected workers and community needs and the (mis)governance in the allocation of funds for Just Transition. This comprehensive examination of funding models aims to illuminate the pathways through which trade unions can significantly influence and negotiate the realisation of a Just Transition in the coal sector, ensuring that the journey towards sustainability is both inclusive and equitable.
