From 4 to 6 November, representatives of trade unions from Lithuania and other European countries gathered in Vilnius for the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) training seminar “The New Ecosocial Contract” to discuss one of today’s key challenges: how to reconcile climate policy objectives, economic transformation and social justice.
The first day of the seminar focused on the concept of the new ecosocial contract and its significance for workers and trade unions. Through discussions and working groups, participants explored what this contract should mean in practice and why trade unions must play an active role in shaping green transition policies.
International experience was shared by Sabina Porcelluzzi from the Italian trade union FISAC CGIL. She presented the “Employment, Climate and Social Economy Pact” implemented in the Emilia-Romagna region, demonstrating how environmental objectives, employment policies and social dialogue can be brought together.
The second day of the seminar focused on practical experience. Participants visited AB “Miesto gijos”, where they met with trade union representatives and learned about the company’s activities.
During the working groups, participants explored arguments and solutions for strengthening the role of trade unions, raising ecosocial awareness and ensuring that the green transition is socially just.
The Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation (LPPSF) was represented by Birutė Daškevičienė, Chair of the Achema Workers’ Trade Union, and Simona Misiūnė, Project Manager, who shared their insights into the situation at AB “Achema”, as well as Ramūnas Narbutas, Chair of the Turto Bankas Collective Trade Union.
The seminar highlighted a key principle: the green transition must involve not only technological and environmental changes but also the protection of employment, decent working conditions, opportunities for retraining and the active involvement of trade unions in decision-making.
