![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ituc-csi.org\/IMG\/arton4294.jpg\" "\\"ITUC")
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While there will be arguments about climate change until the sun goes out, one fact is indisputable \u2013 the decline of traditional industries and the rise of precarious work<\/a> mean jobs aren\u2019t what they used to be. Some have no work, some have too much work and some have work but not the essential employment rights that should go with it.<\/p>\n A September 2009 report from the global union confederation ITUC, Jobs – The Path to Recovery, How employment is central to ending the global crisis<\/a>, described how in response to the global economic crisis, the worst since the Great Depression with tens of millions of jobs disappearing, the economy must be built on social justice and environmental sustainability, respect for internationally-recognised workers’ rights, effective financial regulation and global governance which puts people first.<\/p>\n ITUC<\/a> said worldwide trade unions are \u201cpushing hard for measures to secure global respect for fundamental rights at work and to achieve sustainable economic growth, effective finance reforms, social justice and development. Action on climate change through investment in green jobs and \u2018just transition\u2019 for workers affected by the shift to a low-carbon economy is also at the top of the union list of concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n It is a strategy that combines \u201cgreening\u201d existing jobs, with a renewed focus on the win-win combination of more jobs that are more sustainable. And this is an approach that has been embraced by Danish unions for many years.<\/p>\n \u2018Green jobs: Examples of energy and climate initiatives that general employment\u2019<\/a>, published in October 2009 by the Danish union federation 3F, gives concrete examples of creative policies creating new and sustainable jobs. It also lays down a route map \u2013 through reforming transport systems, development of renewable energy and through energy conservation \u2013 to the development of these new jobs. He adds: \u201cWe must ensure that as few people as possible become unemployed so as to avod the financial and social costs of unemployment to the families affected and society in general. A process of change towards a society that is more environmentally sustainable calls for education, training, investment, building and construction or, in brief, manpower.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nIntroducing the new strategy document, 3F vice-president Steen Andersen writes: \u201cThe future comes on its own accord; sustainable society does not.\u201d<\/p>\n