Working with an intersectional power analysis
The trade union mandate to represent the interests of workers is crucial in exposing and challenging the power hierarchies of classism. However, unions often struggle to achieve similar success with other forms of oppression, such as patriarchy, racism, and sexism, which are typically relegated to gender or equity committees. A just transition requires a genuinely intersectional approach to confront all forms of hierarchical power abuse, including the exploitation of the earth’s natural resources. An intersectional power analysis should not only be limited to gender committee meetings but must also be integrated into what are often ‘’high level’’ male-dominated Just Transition discussions. This integration is vital for strengthening a transformative approach to the concept of a Just Transition.

Plurality and inclusivity are essential when using a feminist lens
There is no one single definition of what a just transition looks like, but central to any approach or model is the striving for systems change with economic and gender justice at the heart of the change. Many alternative economic models promote transformative change, yet these models are dismissed as ridiculous by those in power who support dominant, exploitative economic systems.

One such alternative model is the concept of a circular economy, where production and consumption involve sharing, gifting, swapping, leasing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. This approach extends the life cycle of products and emphasises minimising waste. In contrast to a circular economy, a linear economy involves plundering raw natural resources, transforming them into products, and ultimately disposing of them.  A circular model aims to bridge the gap between production and the natural ecosystems’ cycles on which humans ultimately depend.

Opening our minds to alternative economic models assists us in putting a spotlight on groups of workers who are generally regarded as on margins, for example, waste pickers involved in recycling who play an important role in reducing environmental pollution. Being open to alternative economic models like a circular economy can support unions in advocating for both the rights of waste pickers and the value they contribute to society.

Strengthening collaboration and alliances with climate justice movements
Solidarity has the power to drive transformative political visions and actions. A feminist perspective brings the concept of intersectional solidarity, where diverse voices are included and amplified.

For solidarity between the labour and climate justice movements to be truly transformative, it must be built from the ground up, with all groups standing on equal footing. We would need to recognise and address the unequal power dynamics between, for example, male mine workers in formal, unionised employment and women in the surrounding mining communities engaged in informal work. Both groups are affected by environmental degradation and climate change, but their experiences and access to power are vastly different. Organised, full-time male workers are far more likely to be heard and to benefit from just transition policies than women in insecure, informal jobs. A feminist just transition demands that these imbalances be acknowledged and addressed, so that no one is left behind.

Integrating indigenous knowledge into solutions to the climate crises
What would it take for unions to strengthen indigenous knowledge systems that value the environment? The devaluation of knowledge and education systems that was integral to colonialism is one reason why indigenous knowledge, for example, is still not appropriately integrated into solutions to the climate crisis.

Standpoint theory is a feminist perspective that challenges the objectivity of traditional science and knowledge and argues that we need to turn to marginalised groups who often hold crucial knowledge. One example is elderly people who are disproportionately exposed to environmental challenges but who are also the holders of expertise on forest resources.

Recovering an appreciation and valuing of one’s own indigenous knowledge systems in a supportive and affirming environment can be an important process of challenging the alienation many workers experience in their day-to-day work processes.

Championing the Just Transition through locally led initiatives
Sharing lived experiences of unions and community groups championing just transition and highlighting the importance of their bottom-up solutions. This could include collective agreements, occupational safety and health measures, and community-driven agro-ecological processes and practices.

Grounding the analysis in the context and experience of unions

A feminist analysis must begin by understanding how unions are engaging with just transition discussions, what struggles are being waged, what lessons have been learned, and what questions union members are asking. Feminist popular education methodologies can help generate actionable recommendations to enhance gender equity in the socio-ecological transformation. But this process must be rooted in the specific national contexts and lived experiences of trade unions. It can only be developed collectively through participatory action learning, where unions are supported with the intellectual and practical resources needed to analyse their own realities.

Peer learning exchanges between unions and climate justice activist groups

Drawing on a diversity of experiences will be important in challenging any narrow conception of a Just Transition as only a workplace struggle for jobs and retraining. Community based climate justice activists will be able to share their experience in mobilising, organising and litigation.