As climate disasters intensify around the world, Nepal’s trade unions are stepping up to ensure that workers shape the country’s climate future.
Nepal may be small in terms of emissions, but it’s feeling the full force of the climate crisis. Flash floods, landslides, and erratic weather patterns are disrupting communities and livelihoods—especially those of informal workers, women, and rural communities. In a country where many rely on farming, construction, or low-wage service jobs, the risks are real and growing.
While Nepal is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, unions are making sure that this transition is just and inclusive—especially for workers in informal sectors, women, and marginalised communities.
Unions Building Collective Power in the Face of Climate Crisis
In a powerful example of worker-led action, ten national union federations in Nepal, brought together under the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC), have united to drive a just transition agenda. Backed by Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA and Finnish union development agency SASK, the work isn’t just about climate, it’s about workers having a seat at the table when it comes to shaping their livelihoods.
JTUCC has trained 17 union educators who are now rolling out climate justice sessions across sectors, from manufacturing to construction. They’re also mobilising members through awareness campaigns, national dialogues, and policy advocacy. And it’s working — trade union voices have been included in climate forums and instigated national conversations on climate change and labour rights.
“Now, climate change mitigation and climate justice have become essential. Let us join hands for a just transition. It is our collective responsibility to mitigate the impacts of climate change and hand over a safe, beautiful, green planet to future generations.”
— Trade unionist, stakeholder meeting, Nepal
From Workshops to Policy: Workers Driving Real Change
Supporting this momentum is CLASS Nepal, an organisation founded by union educators, researchers, and organisers to strengthen worker voices through research, training, and policy work. Their recent focus? The often-overlooked sectors of waste management and healthcare, where workers face both climate risks and unsafe working conditions.
So far, 40 union leaders have completed “training of trainers” programs, with hundreds more reached through workshops, campaign materials, and local organising. Workers now have the tools and knowledge to demand change—not just within their industries, but in national climate planning.
“Climate justice is only possible through collective effort, and trade unions can play a vital role. Creating awareness among union members is a major priority for us.”
— CLASS Nepal training participant
Why it matters
The impacts of climate change don’t fall evenly. Women, young workers, migrants, and people with disabilities are often on the frontlines—yet excluded from planning and policy. Nepalese unions are making sure these voices are heard, and that the transition to renewable energy includes fair wages, safe jobs, and protections for vulnerable workers.
This is unionism in action: bringing people together, defending workers’ rights, and organising for a fairer future. And changes are happening:
- Strengthening Union Capacity: Trade unions in Nepal are now better equipped to engage in climate policy and advocate for climate justice and just transition measures. The establishment of climate cells within unions and the formation of networks for ongoing dialogue are signs of lasting institutional change.
- Increased awareness and promoted inclusion: Awareness campaigns and seminars have facilitated engagement and built consensus between formal and informal workers, employers, and policymakers. Women and trade unionists and youth are actively participating in climate justice campaigns, ensuring diverse perspectives are included in policy discussions.
- Influencing national climate policies: Key ministries who are leading the development of climate policies have acknowledged the importance of just transition and expressed readiness to ensure future policies, such as Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), integrate measures which support workers through this process.
A model of climate unionism for the region
Nepal’s unions are showing that climate action and labour rights aren’t separate fights. By organising in workplaces, educating members, and lobbying government, they are proving that a just transition is possible—and that it must be shaped by those who will be most affected.
In an era of overlapping crises, this kind of worker-led organising offers a hopeful and practical model—not just for Nepal, but for union movements around the world, including in Australia.
As the climate crisis accelerates, so too must our solidarity.
