Role of Collective Bargaining in Just Transitions

This working paper presents an analysis of the role of collective bargaining in facilitating just transitions, drawing on recent literature and a sample of 512 collective agreements. It includes an examination of six case studies from various countries, highlighting key themes such as upskilling and retraining of workers, consultation processes regarding redundancies and early retirement, and the transition of workers to greener jobs. The findings indicate that while many collective agreements reference just transition, they often contain broad or symbolic language that may not lead to substantial changes. However, the case studies illustrate that in certain industrialized nations, collective agreements can serve as an effective tool for regulating just transitions, balancing the interests of both workers and employers. The paper concludes that the growing significance of just transitions presents new opportunities for collective bargaining, allowing it to extend beyond traditional employment terms to play a more integral role in the governance of work amidst environmental and technological changes.