Episode 2 - Transitioning Aussie coal workers to new jobs isn’t so simple
Swapping coal for renewable energy always generates a heated discussion, but what's less talked about is the impact of such a transition on its sizeable workforce. So this week we talk about coal jobs and why the conversation around the coal industry's jobs are so important politically, environmentally and personally.
We hear from Geoff Dyke, Secretary for the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division's Victorian branch, to get an insider's perspective on the industry, including how workers from the decommissioned Hazelwood Power Station are still making the transition. The CFMEU is one of Australia’s largest unions and represents the miners and energy workers in coal.
This episode was recorded on the 11th of July, 2020
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Grind’n the Grid is hosted by the Monash Energy Club for MOJO News.
Hosts for this episode are: Alexander Taylor-Bartels and Jane Knight
Researchers were: Rachel McIsaac, L-J Oldfield, and Marilyn Rechtmann.
MOJO News: https://www.mojonews.com.au/
Monash Energy Club: https://monashenergy.org
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Our music is Finding Me, by Eveningland. © Creative Commons License.
Articles referred to in this episode
China to avoid coal from Australia in new trade threat -Sydney Morning Herald
Are there really 54,000 people employed in thermal coal mining? -RMIT ABC Fact Check
ABC Q&A Climate Solutions - Info from Marijn Wilder (Chair of ARENA) and Alan Finkel’s support for Australian manufacturing and hydrogen production
The changing global market for coal Stats around Australia’s export of coal (mostly to Japan) -Reserve Bank of Australia
In Queensland's coal heartland, some locals are leaving mining jobs to work in renewables Isaac Regional Council Mayor - employment discrepancies between renewables and coal -ABC News
How Germany closed its coal industry without sacking a single miner -Sunday Morning Herald
Coal mines can be closed without destroying livelihoods – here's how - The conversation
Collie at the Crossroads -Beyond Zero Emissions
What happens to an Australian coal town as the country turns to renewable energy? - SBS News
Japan to build up to 22 new coal power plants despite climate emergency - The Independent
Latrobe Valley positive two years after Hazelwood power station closure - Stats about Hazelwood and the Latrobe Valley coal industry -ABC News
Soundbites
China places 'unofficial ban on Australian coal' -Sky News Australia
Why Australia’s booming renewable energy industry has started hitting hurdles | Four Corners - ABC News In-depth
What happens when a town’s major industry shuts down? -Insight SBS
Other
-Geoff Dyke, Secretary of CFMEU Mining and Energy, Victoria