Event
Social Dialogue for a Fair Green Transition: CETUN Workshop and Debate in Vienna
As Europe accelerates its shift towards a greener economy, ensuring that this transformation benefits workers and communities alike has become a defining challenge. Bringing together trade unionists, employers and experts from Central Europe, the CETUN workshop and subsequent debate in Vienna explored how social dialogue can turn the promise of a “just transition” into a tangible reality, thus highlighting both the opportunities and the tensions shaping the future of work in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Introduction
On 16 April 2025, CETUN convened trade unionists, employers and researchers in Vienna for a full day of discussions on one of the most pressing challenges for Europe’s labour markets: How to ensure that the green transition is not only environmentally sustainable, but also socially just.
The day combined an internal workshop with a public panel debate, both centred on the role of social dialogue in shaping a fair transition. Organised in cooperation with the ÖGB, the Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK Wien) and the Austrian Association for Public and Social Economy (VÖWG), the events created space for exchange across countries, sectors and perspectives.
From ambition to reality: Challenges of a fair green transition
The internal CETUN workshop focused on translating the idea of a “fair and green transition” into concrete trade union action. Participants explored how structural changes such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and industrial transformation are already reshaping labour markets across Central Europe.
A key takeaway was that while the goal of combining ecological sustainability with social fairness is widely shared, its implementation is far from straightforward. Trade unions highlighted that the transition brings both opportunities and risks, particularly for workers in industrial sectors undergoing rapid transformation.
Sectoral perspectives: Industry, public services and raw materials
The workshop provided concrete insights into how different sectors are affected. Representatives from public services stressed their central role in ensuring inclusive and resilient societies during the transition. At the same time, discussions on the automotive industry and the rapid expansion of battery production highlighted the scale of industrial restructuring underway.
Particular attention was given to the issue of critical raw materials. Case studies, including debates around lithium mining in Serbia, illustrated the tensions between environmental goals, economic interests and social impacts on workers and communities. These discussions made clear that without strong social dialogue, such conflicts risk being resolved at the expense of workers’ rights and local communities.
A public debate on social dialogue and fair transition
In the evening, the discussion continued with a public panel debate titled “Social Dialogue for a Fair Green Transition”. The panel brought together high-level representatives from trade unions and industry, including Čedanka Andrić (President of UGS Nezavisnost and ETUC Vice President), Josef Středula (President of ČMKOS and ETUC Vice President), and Henrike Bauer from Hafen Wien and VÖWG. The discussion was moderated by Michael Soder from the Vienna Chamber of Labour.
The debate focused on a central question: How can social dialogue ensure that the green transition delivers fair outcomes for workers? Speakers emphasised that ecological transformation must go hand in hand with fair wages, good working conditions, and equal access to opportunities.
At the same time, the discussion highlighted significant differences across Europe. While countries like Austria benefit from relatively strong systems of social partnership, participants pointed out that in many Central and Eastern European countries, social dialogue has been weakened, and trade unions face structural obstacles.
A clear message: No just transition without social dialogue
Across both events, one message stood out clearly: A fair green transition cannot be achieved without strong and functioning social dialogue.
For CETUN, these discussions reaffirm the importance of its core mission. By bringing together social partners from Central Europe, the network creates the conditions for shared learning, coordinated action and stronger representation of workers’ interests at both national and European level.
The event not only provided a platform for exchange, but also helped to develop concrete ideas and strategies that participants can take back to their respective countries. In a context of multiple crises and rapid transformation, such cooperation is more important than ever.