US Department of Labor pushes for worker-centered just transition at COP29 [COMMENTARY]

Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for the International Affairs Department of the U.S. Department of Labor, emphasized the importance of integrating labor priorities, including fair wages, worker protections, and union rights, into the global climate agenda during a recent press briefing at COP29, Azernews reports.

Lee highlighted the U.S. commitment to ensuring that workers benefit from the green economy, particularly as the world shifts toward renewable energy. "As we work to slow human-caused climate change, it is equally urgent that workers benefit from the transition to a green economy," she said.

For the U.S., a just transition means ensuring that workers in the clean energy sector enjoy fair wages, safe and healthy workplaces, and the right to join unions and collectively bargain. Lee also underscored the administration's efforts to promote investments in underserved and impacted communities and to eliminate child labour, forced labour, and discrimination within the clean energy supply chain.

This year marks the second consecutive year that the U.S. Department of Labor has participated in COP discussions, with Lee pointing to significant support from the Brazilian Labor Minister in pushing for greater engagement from labour ministries in climate talks. She noted that the inclusion of the Department of Labor on the U.S. negotiating team for the first time was a historic step and encouraged other countries to follow suit.

“We cannot achieve our ambitious climate goals without the broad-based buy-in of workers and communities who will be impacted by the transition,” Lee emphasized. “That is why it's critical that workers are part of the decision-making process."

U.S. Department of Labor's efforts to reskill workers for clean energy jobs

When asked about how the Department of Labor is supporting workers impacted by the shift to renewable energy, Lee shared that workforce training and reskilling are key components of the U.S. strategy for a just transition. "Training workers to engage productively in the renewable energy sector is a critical part of our approach, both domestically and abroad," Lee explained.

The U.S. is focused on ensuring that the next generation of clean energy workers has the necessary skills, while also safeguarding their rights to unionize and bargain collectively. Additionally, Lee emphasized the administration's focus on equity to ensure that marginalized communities, particularly women, gain access to good jobs in the clean energy sector. "Women have not always had equal access to these jobs, so we are putting a lot of resources into ensuring they can succeed in this transition," she said.

On the international front, Lee highlighted the U.S. Department of Labor's collaboration with countries like Brazil and South Africa to support a just transition. "We are encouraging countries to leverage the clean energy transition to create good jobs and ensure that investments benefit workers, including by requiring that companies abide by the International Labour Organization's fundamental principles and rights at work," she said.

She also pointed to significant U.S. investments in clean energy, noting that companies benefiting from these investments are required to treat their workers fairly and invest in training for new jobs. "This dual approach — supporting clean energy investments and investing in workforce training — makes the transition politically sustainable and viable over the long term."

With hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in clean energy in the U.S., Lee stressed that it is essential to ensure that these investments also benefit workers. "It's about making sure that the transition to clean energy is not just sustainable for the environment but also for the people who will power it," she concluded.

Azerbaijan's role in the green energy transition

Azerbaijan, traditionally known for its vast oil and gas reserves, is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards green energy. As the country continues to explore sustainable energy sources, Azerbaijan has been forging partnerships with major international companies in the renewable energy sector.

Lee's comments on the just transition resonate particularly well in the context of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to diversify its energy portfolio. Despite its wealth in fossil fuels, the country has shown a clear commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy. Azerbaijan has already made significant strides in wind, solar, and hydropower projects and continues to collaborate with global energy giants to expand its green energy capacity.

The importance of green energy for Azerbaijan is underscored by the country’s long-term strategy to balance its oil and gas wealth with a growing focus on sustainability. As Azerbaijan seeks to modernize its economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the transition to green energy is seen not only as an environmental necessity but also as an economic opportunity. By embracing renewable energy, Azerbaijan hopes to create new jobs, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth while addressing climate change.

For the U.S. Department of Labor, supporting the green energy transition in countries like Azerbaijan is crucial. As Lee noted, workforce training and equitable access to new opportunities are central to ensuring that workers are not left behind in the transition. Azerbaijan’s ongoing collaboration with international partners in the green energy space presents an opportunity to not only address environmental challenges but also to foster a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Azerbaijan’s shift to clean energy mirrors the global trend of integrating labor protections into climate policies, emphasizing that both environmental and worker rights are integral to a just transition.