Major Group: Workers & Trade
Thanks Chair,
On behalf of the trade unions, I wanted to join the panel in saying that in our view, a SCP
framework must drive production and consumption in a way that will provide social benefits,
including reduced inequalities and it must not be reduced to ensuring environmentally-friendly
consumer behaviour. Unions are working hard, as the ILO representative explained yesterday, on
developing the opportunities and addressing the challenges arising from the transformation of our
economies, such as the development of green and decent jobs.
Chair, we think that if we want to get our 10 year framework right, a few extra barriers which were
not mentioned yet should be taken into account:
- one is the excessive reliance of governments in voluntary initiatives , without accompanying
accountability measures.
- the second is the spread of the shareholder value model of corporate governance, which in our
view fuels short-termism and excludes workers and the environment from enterprises governance.
- Third barrier to be mentioned is the vicious circle of unsustainable investment which results on
increased inequality between and within countries, because investment decisions are often
determined by the search of lower labour and environmental standards.
In terms of ways forward, chair, we think that a certain number of tools should be better
incorporated in the 10YFP, such as the role for regulations, including the implementation of
internationally agreed standards and the role of organised civil society plays in changing SCP
patterns.
The 10FYP should promote the application of the principle of the extended responsibility of the
enterprises, and pay particular attention to the situation of the SMEs and its workers.
Finally, Chair I would like to ask a reaction from the panel. Unions agree on the importance of
behavioural change and local actions. But let's not forget this is an intergovernmental process,
where governments also have responsibilities...
Citizens as consumers should be provided with the necessary information to allow them to choose
the right products, but we think this choice should be made within a range of products that achieve a
minimum level of sustainability. This requires the right mix of regulation (in order to provide a
level playing field) and choice for citizens (based on personal choices, etc). I was wondering if our
panelists could provide an example on this interaction between market regulation and consumer
awareness.
Thank you
On behalf of the trade unions, I wanted to join the panel in saying that in our view, a SCP
framework must drive production and consumption in a way that will provide social benefits,
including reduced inequalities and it must not be reduced to ensuring environmentally-friendly
consumer behaviour. Unions are working hard, as the ILO representative explained yesterday, on
developing the opportunities and addressing the challenges arising from the transformation of our
economies, such as the development of green and decent jobs.
Chair, we think that if we want to get our 10 year framework right, a few extra barriers which were
not mentioned yet should be taken into account:
- one is the excessive reliance of governments in voluntary initiatives , without accompanying
accountability measures.
- the second is the spread of the shareholder value model of corporate governance, which in our
view fuels short-termism and excludes workers and the environment from enterprises governance.
- Third barrier to be mentioned is the vicious circle of unsustainable investment which results on
increased inequality between and within countries, because investment decisions are often
determined by the search of lower labour and environmental standards.
In terms of ways forward, chair, we think that a certain number of tools should be better
incorporated in the 10YFP, such as the role for regulations, including the implementation of
internationally agreed standards and the role of organised civil society plays in changing SCP
patterns.
The 10FYP should promote the application of the principle of the extended responsibility of the
enterprises, and pay particular attention to the situation of the SMEs and its workers.
Finally, Chair I would like to ask a reaction from the panel. Unions agree on the importance of
behavioural change and local actions. But let's not forget this is an intergovernmental process,
where governments also have responsibilities...
Citizens as consumers should be provided with the necessary information to allow them to choose
the right products, but we think this choice should be made within a range of products that achieve a
minimum level of sustainability. This requires the right mix of regulation (in order to provide a
level playing field) and choice for citizens (based on personal choices, etc). I was wondering if our
panelists could provide an example on this interaction between market regulation and consumer
awareness.
Thank you