OPEN LETTER: Tackling Climate Misinformation and Strengthening Political Education in Our Movement
To Trade unions, union leaders, and all members of the labour movement,
We, the undersigned trade unionists, climate campaigners, and grassroots organisers, write with urgency and solidarity.
At a time when workers are facing the escalating impacts of climate breakdown, cost of living pressures, and political instability, we must confront a dangerous threat: the growing spread of climate misinformation and the re-emergence of the far right in our communities and workplaces.
Across the UK and beyond, far-right forces are seeking to exploit economic insecurity and weaponise confusion about climate action. They aim to divide workers, weaken solidarity, and halt the just transition we urgently need. Their narratives often pit environmental action against working-class interests—undermining both.
We reject this false divide.
The climate crisis is a working-class issue. It is already harming our jobs, health, homes, and communities. Delays in transitioning to a greener economy disproportionately hurt workers, especially the most precarious. The labour movement must respond with clarity and courage—by leading on solutions, not defending the status quo.
We call on unions at every level—national, regional, branch—to:
1. Confront Climate Misinformation Head-On
Challenge false narratives that frame climate action as a threat to workers
Equip reps and members with facts and tools to speak confidently on these issues
Use union communications to spread accessible, pro-worker climate messaging
2. Invest in Political Education That Meets Workers Where They Are
In a changing world of work—where more people are in fragmented, precarious, or remote jobs and no longer share common spaces like factories or offices—unions must find new ways to engage and educate. We call for innovative approaches to political education that break beyond traditional structures and reach workers wherever they are. This means:
Creating accessible, flexible education spaces—online and in community venues
Prioritising education that connects climate justice to the everyday struggles of working people
Supporting younger and marginalised members to shape and lead political conversations
3. Build a Visible Alternative to the Far Right
Champion a hopeful vision rooted in solidarity, fairness, and a livable future
Organise visibly in communities targeted by far-right messaging
Form alliances with anti-racist, anti-fascist, and climate justice movements
We are proud that younger generations—especially Gen Z—are more pro-union and pro-strike than any before. But many still see unions as distant or slow to act on the issues they care about. We have a collective responsibility to change that.
That’s why we are supporting Workers Planet—an initiative taking place on Sunday 7 September 2025 in Brighton, alongside the TUC Congress. It brings together trade unionists, climate organisers, and grassroots activists to tackle climate misinformation, build shared political education, and put justice and democracy at the heart of union organising.
Workers Planet, and other initiatives like it, are beginning to bridge the gap—connecting climate justice with worker power, and offering the kind of political space our movement urgently needs.
We believe trade unions can—and must—be at the forefront of building a better world. But to do so, we must confront the threats before us with honesty, unity, and action.
