Sustainable Transport and the Environment Guide - Unite the Union

2.6 Sustainability and economic impacts – especially in a downturn
Some fear the current global economic downturn means there will be a lessening of
attention on the environment, but there is also an emerging argument that now is the
right time for investment in green jobs – like better public transport and greener
vehicles – which could provide livelihoods without damaging people or the planet as
much as 30 years of untrammelled globalisation have done.
It is clear that the current economic downturn (as well as environmental concerns) are
having an impact on transport demand and that is likely to continue. For example:
In 2007/8 there was a decrease in car mileage (for the first time since the 70s)
and an increase in bus and train usage as drivers opted to save money and
travel by public transport instead.
In 2008 passenger flights out of London airports dropped for the first time
since 2001.
The withdrawal of operators from some air routes, particularly low cost airline
flights to second home destinations in Europe.
Most observers believe the economic downturn will last at least until 2010, with many
pessimistic that the economy will recover fully for several years after this.
There are other trends that have arisen partly as a result of environmental concerns
which are likely to be intensified by the downturn, leaving a different pattern of
transport demand in the future. For example:
The growth of online retailing and home delivery – and a shrinkage of high
street/retail jobs. (Home delivery could be a ‘greener’ option than people
driving to out of town shopping centres – but it would be ‘greener’ still if there
were local drop off points).
The growth of video conferencing as businesses cut back on business travel.
Rising demand for public transport, and shrinking demand for larger, fuel
hungry vehicles.
More people choosing to holiday in the UK or cutting down on frequent short
flights to Europe, due to the weakness of the pound.
A reduction in off shoring – or an increase?
As the last point makes clear, we can’t afford to assume that the economy that
emerges from the recession will be socially and environmentally sustainable. Another
example of an area of concern is that investment in rail has shown signs of being hit
by the damage to the financial markets. A socially and environmentally sustainable
economy, union and transport system will only emerge if progressive forces like trade
unions and the environmental movement, work together.
2.7 What Can We Do?
Collective Bargaining Strategies
Trade unions have a key role to play in getting information so that the impacts of the
sector as a whole, of companies in the sector, and of practices within companies, can
be understood. Trade unionists can negotiate for access to information at both
grassroots / workplace level, and at national and international governmental level.
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