Publication: Just Coal Transition in Western Macedonia, Greece: Insights from the Labor Market
Date
2020-10-31
ISSN
Published
2020-10-31
Author(s)
Abstract
This report analyzes the consequences
for the labor force of Western Macedonia’s (Greece)
decarbonization as part of Europe’s new Green Deal. Already,
the region records the highest unemployment rate of the
country (27 percent in 2018). A survey of contractors
suggests that about 16,000 jobs could potentially be
affected by the closure of the mines (about 4,500 directly
in coal and power production and another 11,000-11,500
indirectly supplying goods and services). It mainly concerns
older and less educated, but medium-skilled workers. Many do
not expect much of a future in Western Macedonia, with most
of the better-skilled seeing themselves move to other
regions. But much will also depend on the coal transition
path chosen, including the timing and labor intensity of the
power plant decommissioning and land reclamation plans, as
well as those of the new alternative activities promoted.
Timely consultations with the workers affected will also be critical.
Citation
“Christiaensen, Luc; Ferré, Céline. 2020. Just Coal Transition in Western Macedonia, Greece; Just Coal Transition in Western Macedonia, Greece : Insights from the Labor Market. Jobs Working Paper;No. 54. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34737 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”