The European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) in partnership with the Just Transition and Climate Department (JTCD) of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) commissioned a comprehensive report which examines the status of the green transition in the European construction sector, its impact on workers, and the role of trade unions in guiding the transformation.
Workers’ organisations have a key role to play in addressing the risks and uncertainties associated with these rapid changes. In addition to protecting existing jobs, there is a need to improve working conditions to attract new entrants to the sector, including women and young people. A just transition also entails providing clear pathways for workers from high-emission industries, such as mining, to enter construction. Older workers who wish to remain in employment should be offered appropriate conditions that allow them to continue working with dignity and to supplement their retirement income.
Without proactive engagement from trade unions and social partners, there is a risk that green transition policies could increase labour market insecurity or facilitate the erosion of existing protections.
The report, prepared by Andrés Mella and Edmundo Werna, draws on empirical data, case studies, and input from relevant stakeholders to provide policy recommendations aimed at ensuring that climate action is aligned with workers’ rights and welfare.
The report seeks to address the knowledge gap by examining the status of the green transition in the construction sector, its impact on workers, and the role of trade unions in guiding the transformation.
In particular, the aim of the report is to assess the impact of the Renovation Wave and related EU initiatives about circularity in construction on working conditions, skills and Occupational Safety and Health. A secondary objective of the consultancy is to develop policy options for trade unions to ensure a worker-centered transition in the construction sector.
The full report and its summary are available for download below:
REPORT - EFBWW Green transformation
SUMMARY - EFBWW Green transformation
In addition to the report, also a TRAINING MANUAL and related training material have been developed which will allow experienced union practitioners–who are not professional trainers–to deliver a practical, one-day training on the Just Transition in Construction. These materials can be found HERE.