Climate Change and Employment

Yes climate change will impact upon the employer/employee relationship and evidence of this was reaffirmed on Wednesday 5 March 2008. The ACTU National Executive has confirmed its national strategy to include climate change issues in enterprise bargaining negotiations. ACTU president Sharon Burrow said employers will be called upon 'to identify and evaluate the risks and opportunities climate change presents'; asked 'what are you doing about reducing your contribution to global warning?'; and in the connection to workplace/occupational health and safety 'generating healthier workplaces and the nature of the working environment's design'. Recycling and energy efficiencies will be pursued.

Many employers have taken steps and are taking taking steps to deal with climate change and the impact of climate change on their business but this will become an even more pressing issue with employees taking an active part and interest. Climate change is and will be an employer/employee issue - something else for HR practitioners and employers to deal with.