The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), an NGO dedicated to documenting labor and human rights violations, with the support of Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, conducted an impactful Climate Justice Facilitators’ Training at the Occupational Safety and Health Center from October 10-11, 2024.

The training brought together participants from the National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas and Southern Mindanao, with the aim of understanding various dimensions of climate change, including the current state of the Philippine environment, the climate crisis, and the influence of neoliberal policies.

Partner organizations Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Kristiyanong Pamayanan (SMKP) and Visayas Human Development Agency (VIHDA) shared preliminary findings from their data collection on the impacts of climate change on workers and communities. These insights paved the way for in-depth discussions on risk assessment, underscoring the urgency of conducting such assessments across different regions — a need highlighted by regional leaders during the open forum.

A focal point of the training was the discussion on Just Transition (JT), covering leaders’ perspectives on its implementation, the dissemination of information to workers, and the systemic challenges posed by a capitalist framework that can perpetuate inequality. The session emphasized the critical need to deepen dialogues on achieving a just and equitable shift to cleaner energy, without compromising workers’ job security and safety.

Climate justice also took center stage, with the aim of inspiring participants to develop both immediate and long-term strategies for action during the planning session.

The two-day event went beyond facilitator training, serving as a strategic step towards strengthening efforts to address the climate crisis and mobilize workers for climate justice.