Motion no: 12
The recent bumper profits for fuel companies has reinvigorated the drive for alternative sources of fossil fuels. Previously unacceptable, dangerous and environmentally destructive production methods are back on the agenda for both government and big business.
The thirst for profits knows no bounds and threatens to reverse any progress that has been made on environmental issues over the last few years. If this approach of profit before the environment remains unchecked it will create a catastrophe for this and future generations. Conferences notes in particular the drive to return to ‘Fracking’ that presents a particular threat to communities in Northern Ireland and to those along both sides of the border.
While fossil fuels continue to provide an opportunity for big business to make a killing, the industry itself remains a direct threat to the environment.
Conference therefore calls on NIC-ICTU to campaign for an end to profit gouging from fossil fuels and for;
- the nationalisation of these industries under democratic control and management;
- the removal of the profit motive by providing fuel at cost, and
- the implementation of a policy of phasing out the use of fossil fuels.
