Driving a Just Transition Through Social Dialogue in Ethiopia's Horticulture Sector

FES Ethiopia, in partnership with the National Federation of Farm, Plantation, Fishery, Agro-Industry Trade Union (NFFPFATU), hosted a critical workshop titled "Driving a Just Transition through Social Dialogue in the Horticulture Sector." The event provided an essential platform for stakeholders to discuss climate action, workers’ rights, and sustainable practices in one of Ethiopia's most vital sectors.

The discussion was anchored in the concept of Just Transition—a framework that seeks to ensure climate action is socially inclusive by balancing environmental sustainability with workers' rights and social justice.

FES Ethiopia’s Just Transition Program Coordinator, Bisrat Fikadu, explained the core principles of Just Transition. He explained that while climate action is crucial for sustainability and decarbonization, it must also compensate workers who have been negatively affected, ensure decent work, and uphold social justice. The session emphasized how integral social justice is to the concept of Just Transition, particularly in sectors like horticulture, where workers often face environmental and health hazards, such as exposure to harmful chemicals.

Participants engaged in a robust discussion on the gaps in supporting and representing workers, particularly in addressing gender issues and health risks. The dialogue revealed that although progress has been made, especially in safety measures and gender equity over the past decade, a significant awareness gap and lack of accountability from administrations remain key challenges.

The workshop’s group discussions focused on three key questions: what climate change issues participants had witnessed or experienced during their work, what human rights violations they had observed in the workplace, and what legal solutions could address these violations. These discussions provided critical insights into the ways climate change is impacting the horticulture sector, particularly in relation to worker safety and environmental sustainability. Participants shared personal experiences of workplace challenges, emphasizing the need for stronger legal frameworks that can protect workers from human rights violations while addressing the effects of climate change. This exchange of ideas underscored the importance of inclusive social dialogue in advocating for both environmental and worker protection within the sector.

Participants also explored the concept of social dialogue—an inclusive approach that promotes open conversations between workers and employers to address workplace issues, including health risks, gender equity, and human rights violations. Through social dialogue, trade unionists are able to create a fair and just working environment, ensuring that workers' rights are protected while addressing environmental sustainability in the sector.

All in all, the workshop served as a vital step towards ensuring that the principles of Just Transition are not just theoretical but actively practiced, thus ensuring that the future of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector is both sustainable and equitable.