Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy: Trade Unions and the 'Jobs versus Environment' Dilemma

EcoUnions is a comparative, interdisciplinary and multi methods study that will: (a) examine and compare trade union approaches to the dilemma in Denmark and the United Kingdom (UK); b) explore how organisational and institutional dynamics shape trade union action; and (c) determine what role trade unions play in public debate on the transition to a low carbon economy.

Theoretically, the goal of EcoUnions is to develop a multi-level analytical framework that can guide future empirical inquiry and allow for a holistic understanding of the three key interconnected arenas in which trade unions are navigating the ‘jobs versus environment’ dilemma: internal union strategizing, climate policy-making and public debate.

To achieve this, an interdisciplinary approach is applied, combining employment relations with environmental sociology and the new field of environmental labour studies.