June 27, 2019. German social historian Professor Stefan Berger and Director of Global And European Affairs with German mining trade union IG BCE Michael Mersmann speak to AAP about the lessons Australia can learn from Germany's exit from coal mining.
Berger says the Ruhr region is an example of how best to transition from the mining industry and says cooperation and respect between unions, government and companies is key. Mersmann similarly says pragmatism is important for winning outcomes for workers and the environment. He also talks about Australia's decision to open new coal mines. "It is the biggest mistake you can do at the moment. The whole world is discussing just transition ... and one country is doing just the opposite, I think that is strange," he says.