South Africa: By IndustriALL- International Trade Union Confederation

Details

Category: Africa

Created: Tuesday, 21 February 2023 14:18

Hits: 384

Panel at mining indaba calls for decent work during energy transition 9 February 2023Will I have a job after the energy transition, what kind of job, in what sector, and will I earn as much as I do now? These questions, asked by workers in the context of the energy transition, were the starting point for discussions at IndustriALL's panel at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town on 8 February.

Glen Mpufane, IndustriALL Director for Mining, chaired the panel discussion entitled "A conversation with trade unions - what are the other drivers of the impact of the current energy transition on the world of work, apart from climate change, and what suggestions do trade unions have for a way forward to mitigate the impact?". IndustriALL emphasised the important role workers play in sustainable mining, environmental, social and governance strategies. The panel discussions are the culmination of the recognition that unions have gained at the Mining Indaba through IndustriALL's engagement with mining companies and conference organisers to recognise workers as key stakeholders in the mining industry. Phestus Motshabi, NUMSA shop steward, said: "Workers are very concerned about the transition. There are fears that mines will close because of decarbonisation. We are calling for a just transition based on decent work and respect for fundamental rights in the workplace in accordance with the International Labour Organisation Conventions. We want a conversation with mining companies where they are transparent and share their plans and strategies. The plans should cover the entire value chain." Tebogo Moepeng, NUM shop steward, added: "The future of decent jobs is bleak as precarious, unsustainable jobs are expected to replace permanent jobs. But as unions, we will continue to advocate for decent, sustainable jobs." Kitso Phiri, executive secretary of the BMWU, said social dialogue involving key stakeholders was important. "Social dialogue promotes consensus among stakeholders and can be used as a risk reduction tool. To be effective, it needs a strong worker voice. In Botswana, there are gaps in social dialogue due to the lack of workers' voices, especially in the high-level consultative forum at sectoral level where decisions are made. Workers are only involved at the enterprise level. Towards Sustainable Mining - a global standard for sustainability in the mining sector - was mentioned as one of the tools that can be used to promote social dialogue in Botswana. Melanie Roy, Head of Research at NUMSA's Economic Research and Policy Department, stressed: "Trade union demands must address the dual nature of jobs - job creation and retraining for new jobs. The transition of jobs in the automotive, energy and mining sectors, political cohesion, equity and diversity should be considered. In the automotive sector, for example, workers need to acquire skills to produce electric vehicles. Franz Stehling, divisional director of UASA, said government must provide funding to support the retraining of workers for future jobs. "In the case of South Africa, Just Transition should be discussed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, and funds for retraining can be provided by sectoral education and training authorities." Glen Mpufane, said: "The sustainability of the labour market is an important factor when discussing where to create decent jobs. Today's discussions aligned with the recommendations of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work, which must be our reference point when discussing a just transition. The Commission's recommendations are a response to technological innovation, environmental and climate change, demographic shifts, global inequalities and other factors." The Mining Indaba was officially opened by the Presidents of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cyril Ramaphosa and Tshisekedi, who emphasised the importance of minerals to the socio-economic development of the two countries and cooperation through trade. The countries have minerals used in the manufacture of electric vehicles, including cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel and other rare earth metals.