Korean Unions Call for a Just Energy Transition

Details: Published on Tuesday, 15 August 2017 04:00; Written by editor

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A Socialist Project e-bulletin .... No. 1468 .... August 15, 2017
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Korean Unions Call for a Just Energy Transition

In a series of landmark statements following the May 2017 election of the pro-reform President Moon Jae-in, Korean energy, transport and public service workers have called for "a just energy transition" allowing the sector to "function as a public asset under public control." Unions support the new government’s decision to close the country’s aging coal-fired and nuclear power stations, and its planned reconsideration of two new nuclear facilities -- Kori 5 and Kori 6.

In a statement issued in late July, the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union (KPTU) and the Korean Labour and Social Network on Energy (KLSNE), a coalition of unions and civil society organizations, said, "We actively support the policy of phasing out... coal and nuclear and expanding clean renewable energy." The statement urged the development of, "A roadmap for energy transition that ensures public accountability and strengthens democratic control of the energy industry." KPTU and KLSNE also committed "to work together with the public and civil society to achieve a just transition."

KPTU and KLSNE Statement

The Korean Labour and Social Network on Energy (KLSNE) and the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union (KPTU) Support the Government’s Policy of a Transition toward a Coal-free, Nuclear-free Energy System.