PSI joins the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

PSI Executive Board issued a resolution in support of a Global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and Compensation for Loss and Damage caused by the Climate Crisis.

The endorsement is the first from the global union movement and means that a huge section of the unionised workforce, including health and social care workers, energy, water, local government and public administration workers want a ban on new fossil fuel exploration and production.

“PSI recognises that the climate crisis poses an existential threat to workers, communities and the future of life on the planet. The global union movement must lead the struggle for a just global economic order that puts people before profit and focuses on care for people and the planet. If we don’t, corporations will continue to profit from this crisis until there’s no future left” said PSI General Secretary, Rosa Pavanelli.

Rosa Pavanelli PSI General Secretary

The global union movement must lead the struggle for a just global economic order that puts people before profit and focuses on care for people and the planet

PSI underlines in the resolution that a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels should “include public investment in renewable energies, public health services, public care, public emergency services, and a thriving trade union movement.”

Australian nurse and Assistant General Secretary of New South Wales Nurses and Midwives Association, Michael​​ Whaites, moved the resolution saying “climate change is having a daily impact on the health of our communities now. As healthcare workers of the Pacific region we’re seeing this in cyclones, floods, fires, and disease in increasing frequency and intensity.  As unions, it is crucial that we act in solidarity with each other by calling for a Global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and for compensation for Loss and Damage caused by the Climate Crisis,” he added.

Michael​​ Whaites Asst. General Secretary of NSWMA

Today our members are dealing with the third ‘once in one hundred year’ flood event in the last two years.... We cannot be silent on this and we call on all healthcare based unions to support the treaty

“Countries that have contributed most to the causes of climate change must compensate developing nations if they’re to have any hope of responding to the crisis. Today our members are dealing with the third ‘once in one hundred year’ flood event in the last two years.  Our colleagues across the Pacific Islands are facing the crisis more acutely.  We cannot be silent on this and we call on all healthcare based unions to support the treaty,” Whaites added.

In October this year, the Pacific island state of Vanuatu brought the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty to the UN General Assembly. This has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament and a range of civil society organisations worldwide.

Doctor Basil Leodoro President of Vanuatu Association of Public Service Employees

Nurses, emergency responders, disaster preparation and community workers in the Pacific Islands are on the frontline of this crisis

Doctor Basil Leodoro, President of Vanuatu Association of Public Service Employees welcomed PSI’s leadership saying that “nurses, emergency responders, disaster preparation and community workers in the Pacific Islands are on the frontline of this crisis. They want an end to fossil fuels and a transition that values and respects workers and delivers quality public service for all.” Dr Leodoro also applauded PSI’s recognition that rich countries must provide fair compensation for the loss and damage their consumption has caused in Pacific Island countries.