The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for "cast iron guarantees" that EU funding for the transition from peat production in the Midlands will be used to support the creation of decent jobs and to assist in a Just Transition for workers in the sector.
This follows the recent announcement from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that some €30 million would be made available to support the transition process in the Midlands, as part of a proposed new Just Transition Mechanism under the European Green Deal.
Congress General Secretary Patricia King said that workers in the Midlands would need "cast iron guarantees that this money will be used in full accordance with the principles of Just Transition. In practice that means there must be social dialogue and strong worker input into how the funds are utilised to ensure the creation of high-quality replacement jobs in the sector."
Ms King said that the Congress Energy Sector Unions would be seeking an urgent meeting with the recently-appointed Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, on this matter.
Contact Conor Kavanagh, ICTU Communications Office 086 8116607
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