Dignity of work, social dialogue and participation, protection of communities and productive capacity, reconstruction of trust through equity and solidarity: these are the values and the steps needed to achieve a sustainable ecological and digital transition in the world of work, guaranteeing the creation of new jobs and revitalizing local economies. This is the objective of the directive that the European Parliament is preparing to vote on Tuesday, January 20th.
This is the position of the Secretariat of the Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), which, in a document entitled “A Just Transition that Protects Human Dignity, Work and Communities”, states that “only an inclusive and socially just human transition” can “unite Europe and guarantee lasting support for the ecological transformation necessary for the common good.”
The challenges of the double transition
The legislative initiative being debated in Strasbourg urges the European Commission to propose a new directive to **protect workers in the context of green and digital transitions.** The objective is to address the challenges and opportunities of a fair transition at the workplace and to establish a framework of strategic measures within the EU for regions affected by the double transition. Parliament is also considering increasing specific EU funding for the period after 2027.
The Bishops speak on behalf of the workers in the industrial regions of Europe, concerned about the consequences of the ecological transition: will they be left behind? Will their children be forced to leave their regions of origin in search of decent work? “For the ecological transition to be successful,” the COMECE text states, “it must be experienced by citizens not as a threat, but as a **shared and hopeful commitment**. It must be built together with those affected by change, not as an imposition.” From the perspective of the Social Doctrine of the Church, ecological responsibility and social justice are inseparable.
Therefore, “human dignity, the value of work, solidarity between generations and territories, and care for the common good must remain at the center of the European response to ecological and industrial transition.”
Human dignity, the value of work, solidarity between generations and territories, and care for the common good must remain at the center of the European response to ecological and industrial transition
Protecting families
The fear is that the industrial restructuring or, worse still, sudden closures, last-minute announcements, and reckless dismissal plans may harm workers, their families, and entire communities, especially in regions already facing structural challenges. The call from the Episcopal Conferences is to “plan the change before it becomes a crisis,” with prudence and responsibility, and above all, involving workers significantly in shaping their professional future, including training and retraining. These measures are useful to avoid fear, resistance, social disintegration, and long-term economic losses.
Dialogue is also necessary in this context, among public authorities, employers, workers and their representatives, as when communities participate in anticipating and managing change, reforms are more likely to be understood and supported.
The dignity of workers
Therefore, the Bishops believe that the Old Continent should pursue its climate goals while guaranteeing the dignity of workers. And it is a matter of social responsibility “to support quality employment, **maintain skills in Europe, strengthen value chains, and accompany regions and communities experiencing structural transformations.**” This approach, the document points out, “reflects the vision of integral ecology articulated in Laudato Si’, which demands transitions that leave no one behind.” The transformation must be perceived as fair and credible. Only in this way can trust in institutions and green policies be reborn.
Climate action, human dignity, social cohesion, long-term resilience, and a strong economy can go hand in hand: “A just transition is not only a technical or economic challenge, but also a moral one. It requires solidarity between generations, territories, and social groups, and special attention to those most exposed to change.”
The Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union concludes by urging political leaders called to the polls to assess whether they “effectively protect the dignity of work, strengthen social dialogue, respect subsidiarity, and support those most affected by the transformation.”
Giovanni Zavatta
Vatican News / Religion Digital
English version translated with AI