In 2020, United Workers Union established a 500,000 Climate Disaster Relief Fund that has provided nearly 350,000 in direct support to members impacted by climate disasters, showing how unions can deliver concrete assistance as climate impacts intensify.
When climate disasters began intensifying across Australia, United Workers Union established a groundbreaking $500,000 Climate Disaster Relief Fund to provide emergency support to members impacted by extreme weather events. The fund delivers modest but crucial cash payments to help members meet essential needs during climate emergencies. Nearly $350,000 has been distributed to members since the fund’s creation, providing vital assistance during floods, fires, and other climate-driven disasters.
This pioneering initiative demonstrates how unions can provide concrete support to workers on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Research conducted through the union’s Heat@Work report in April 2020 found 56% of members were already being adversely affected by extreme heat at work, while the 2022 Floods Report revealed how public sector workers with paid emergency leave were better able to cope with disasters than those without leave provisions.