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Outline Climate-Conscious Bargaining Agendas
The risk of climate related workplace hazards is growing. Employers are launching climate and decarbonization plans that impact staffing and working conditions.383 At the same time, IAM employers are actively pursuing new business opportunities in expanding climate industries with no guarantee that future business will be union.384 Given these realities, the IAM should make climate an issue at the bargaining table.
A climate conscious bargaining agenda for the IAM could include safety measures for climate related health hazards, protection in the event of shop closures due to extreme weather, and a process to engage employers on workplace decarbonization plans. The IAM can begin by first surveying IAM staff and leaders that work with contracts to identify relevant existing language. Then, leaders can develop climate-conscious questions for bargaining surveys. This will enable the union to develop model language and resources on climate related bargaining demands.
Additionally, in bargaining preparation, the IAM can research employers' climate plans and commitments, emissions impacts on local communities, and funding for plans to expand in climate sectors. Information about how employers are responding to climate change should factor into strategic campaign planning and identifying organizing opportunities.
Potential climate resilience demands could include pay in the event of workplace closures due to extreme weather, safety and health protections for extreme weather, and weather appropriate uniforms and PPE. Negotiating new workplace attire is also an opportunity to ensure that women, especially those working in male-dominated industries with one-size-fits all equipment, have access to properly-fitting PPE.385 The IAM’s demands could also cover climate mitigation, including requiring Labor-Management Committees on technological changes and decarbonization plans, requiring employers to include workforce analysis in decarbonization plans, and bargaining to minimize negative impacts on surrounding communities.