A JUST TRANSITION: INSIGHTS FROM THE LABOUR UNIONS OF A STEEL LOCALITY (TARANTO, ITALY)

The just transition (JT) perspective has gained a generalized attention in recent years in coincidence with the increasing pressures that Western societies face to green their economies as a way to address climate change. In this perspective the role of Trade Unions is central as they are encouraged to drive the socio-technical transformation to avoid the intensification of the dilemma between the protection of jobs and the protection of environment. The article explores the way in which TUs thematize the challenge of the JT in a specific locality -Taranto, Southern Italy- and in one of the most carbon intensive industries – the steel industry. Although sharing common concerns, different positions emerge in relation to the nature of the challenge and the possible pathways to greening the steel production in the area. Yet, Trade Unions are still elaborating the question of the role that they are called to play in it.