Green jobs for a sustainable society

Ishara Jayawardane

"The Decent Work concept is the foundation upon which we built the concept of Green Jobs. The ILO's Decent Work agenda comprises four pillars such as international labour standards, freely chosen employment, social security and protection for workers, and social dialogue," said Green Jobs National Programme Coordinator Shyama Salgado.

Green Jobs have become a symbol of a more sustainable economy and society, which is more equitable and inclusive of all peoples of all countries.

"ILO's Green Jobs is founded on the principles of social justice. It brings value addition to environment sustainability and eco-friendly approaches on green development as it focuses on integrating international labour standards into work," Salgado said. The Green Jobs project funded by Australia takes a three-pronged approach. First, it works to increase the knowledge-base on green jobs by mapping existing and potential green jobs while building the capacity of its constituents and stakeholders.

Hence, there is a component to sensitize and educate all stakeholders and communities such as policy-makers, state actors, duty-bearers, social partners, NGO's and the public, particularly communities that are vulnerable to impacts of climate change.

"However you cannot conserve energy if you are not working in the best interest of your workers. In the waste management sector for example, though you are 'greening' the environment, the workers are involved in low skilled jobs termed as 3D jobs; Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult.

"We work closely with the Ministries of Labour and Labour Relations, and Environment, Central Environment Authority, Waste Management Authority and trade unions to promote green jobs," added Salgado.

"One of the key interventions we undertake in the solid waste management sector is a value change analysis and development initiative. We are looking at this chain from the household level to recycling and renewable energy.

"We are also focusing on better practices and what can be learnt from this waste management cycle. The ILO plans to document all these experiences during this pilot phase of the project to share the publication with key stakeholders in the sector," Salgado explained.