2Ed Global Forum 2022 Notes

Welcome and Introduction

• Hosted by Irene Hongping Sean (Trade Unions for Energy Democracy, 2ED)
• Interpretation available in French, Spanish, and English.
• Agenda shared in chat.

Announcements by John Great

• New union joining: Autonomous Federation of Workers of Chile (Cat Chile).
• Recent sign-ons to the Trade Union Program for Public Energy Futures:
  • Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA)
  • Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) from the UK
  • Centro Carbon in Colombia
• Emphasis on the importance of unions supporting global energy democracy.

Agenda of the Forum

• Title: Green Structural Adjustment in South Africa: A War on Workers and Climate.
• Significant interest from unions across various countries (Zimbabwe, Liberia, Kenya, DRC, Nepal, India).
• Discussion focused on COP26 deal worth $8.5 billion to South Africa for energy transition.
• Concerns raised about potential privatization and the implications for workers and climate goals.

Key Issues Discussed

• Green Structural Adjustment as a concept rooted in past IMF and World Bank policies.
• Concerns over the privatization of ESCOM (South Africa's public utility) and the liberalization of energy markets.
• Critique of the funding model that favors foreign investors over local workers and communities.
• The need for an alternative pro-public energy transition.

Background by Sean Sweeney

• The climate agenda and energy transition are often linked to privatization.
• Unions want to support climate goals but are pressured by neoliberal policies.
• There's a growing realization that neoliberal approaches to climate change have failed.
• Importance of building international solidarity to resist privatization.

Contributions from Speakers

Dominic Brian (AIDC)

• Discussed the economic stagnation post-2008 and its impact on energy policy.
• Criticized the austerity measures being implemented alongside energy sector reforms.
• Advocated for a public goods approach to energy transition rather than private sector involvement.

William Mbappe (National Union of Mine Workers)

• Emphasized the need for a policy framework that includes all energy mixes.
• Warned against accepting funds with hidden conditions that could lead to privatization.
• Called for worker protections during the transition.

Enos Mbode (NUMSA)

• Highlighted the energy crisis in South Africa aggravated by privatization.
• Stressed that private capital should not control the energy sector.
• Urged for inclusive policies that prioritize workers and communities.

Brian Comanzi (IEJ)

• Provided insights on the implications of privatization and unbundling ESCOM.
• Discussed the volatility of energy prices under an unbundled system.
• Warned against reliance on private sector solutions for energy transition.

Key Takeaways

• There is a clear resistance against the privatization of ESCOM and the broader energy sector in South Africa.
• Unions emphasize the need for a just energy transition that protects workers and communities.
• Ongoing dialogue is necessary to build solidarity and develop clear, actionable policies.
• COP27 presents an opportunity for unions to unite against neoliberal policies and advocate for public ownership in energy.

Closing Remarks

• Emphasis on the need for collective struggle against privatization.
• Acknowledgment of the contributions from various unions and sectors.
• Call for action to engage communities in the energy transition debate.