TRADE unions are urging Government to include workers rights representatives at the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.
Fiji Trades Union Congress executive officer Jotika Sharma said workers were among the largest groups of people affected by climate change.
“We are seeking for unions to be included in the government delegation to the next COP meeting because workers of this country are very much affected by adverse weather conditions,” said Ms Sharma.
“They are also affected by regulations and policies of employers who lay off workers during a disaster period.
“So how can we ensure that workers are looked after?
“They need to put food on the table even during that time but if they do not have income, how are they going to look after their families?
“If workers are called to work, how do they access their workplaces if the roads and bridges are closed or flooded or curfews are in place.”
She said union resources were limited in assisting workers affected by natural disasters, but they hoped large platforms such as the COP meeting would bring much needed attention to their movement.
“We are trying to make sure that we step into policy platform areas where we can advocate for workers rights.
“Not all unions have relief funds, and we don’t have support from Government to help our members, so I think that it is very important that the workers voices are reflected in the COP negotiations at the country and also at the international level. The onus is on the unions to provide support to their members.”
Ms Sharma added it also provided an opportunity to hold employers accountable. “We want to also raise what the role of the employer is in looking after their workers during these events.
“There are good employers that give food rations and allows the worker to work from home, but we want to ensure that this is practised by every employer.”
The COP31 meeting will be held in November.
