Background information

The proposal 'Accelerating the Green Transition - with Jobs and Security for Workers' aims to ensure a fair transition to a green economy by protecting workers' rights and providing necessary support during the transition. This initiative is driven by the need to address climate change while maintaining social equity and economic stability. It is proposed by the trade union confederation, fagbevægelsens hovedorganisation (FHO).

The proposal has been developed and presented by FH as a political initiative. While it is not part of a formal governmental strategy or policy process, it is intended to influence national policy making on just transition. It also calls for institutionalized involvement of social partners in future legislation, including annual assessments of the social impact of green transition measures by the Danish Climate Council.

The proposal includes measures such as green clauses in public infrastructure projects, improved working environment regulations, and a green fund to compensate workers for increased living costs due to green taxes. These measures are designed to ensure that the transition to a green economy is just and inclusive.

As this is currently a proposal from the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (FH), it does not yet have a legal reference but aims to influence future legislation. The proposal has not yet been formally adopted or integrated into a national just transition strategy, but it has been submitted by the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (FH) as a political initiative aimed at influencing government policies. It is designed to feed into ongoing policy debates and future legislative frameworks addressing a fair and inclusive green transition.

Content of measure

The proposal "Accelerating the Green Transition - with Jobs and Security for Workers" aims to ensure a fair transition to a green economy. It includes measures such as green clauses in public infrastructure projects, improved working environment regulations, and a green fund to compensate workers for increased living costs due to green taxes. The proposal targets all workers, especially those in sectors heavily impacted by the green transition, such as manufacturing and energy.

The proposal includes the establishment of a green fund to compensate workers for increased living costs. While specific monetary figures are not detailed in the proposal, it emphasizes the need for substantial financial support to ensure that low-income workers are not disproportionately affected by green taxes. The proposal also suggests financial support for retraining and upskilling workers to prepare them for new green job

Use of measure

The proposal "Accelerating the Green Transition - with Jobs and Security for Workers" is expected to benefit a significant number of workers, particularly those in sectors most affected by the green transition, such as manufacturing and energy. While specific numbers are not yet available, the proposal aims to cover all workers impacted by green policies and taxes.

The uptake and effectiveness of the measures will be evaluated annually by the Climate Council, which will assess the impact on income distribution, price development, and employment. This ongoing evaluation will help ensure that the support reaches those who need it most and that the transition remains fair and inclusive.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Particular professions	Sector specific set of companies	People on low incomes

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Social partners jointly Trade unions Employers' organisations Company / Companies Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) Local / regional government Public employment service	Employer European Funds National funds Social partners jointly Trade union

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative	Consulted
Form	Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Social partners jointly
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Social partners' involvement in designing, implementing, and monitoring the measure was both requested by institutional settings and demanded by social partner organizations. Key organizations involved included the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA), while smaller organizations like SMVdanmark were not directly involved. Social partners contribute by participating in working groups, advising on labor market policies, and ensuring that the transition to green energy is socially just.

Views and reactions

Social partners' views on the measure are generally supportive. Since FH is the main proposer, they are naturally in full support, emphasizing job security and fair transitions for workers. The Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) supports the initiative but stresses the need for flexibility and innovation to maintain competitiveness. Smaller organizations like SMVdanmark have raised concerns about potential administrative burdens.

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 29 October 2024: FHO.DK (fho.dk)
• 29 October 2024: FHO.DK (viewer.ipaper.io)