Global Unions Address Workforce and Security Challenges Amid Nuclear Renaissance
The International Nuclear Workers’ Union Network (INWUN), coordinated by IndustriALL Global Union, convened in Tokyo, Japan, on 25 March to assess the evolving nuclear sector and reinforce the role of trade unions in ensuring a just and secure energy transition.
Nuclear Energy’s Growing Role in Decarbonisation
As geopolitical instability and energy transitions accelerate, nuclear power is witnessing renewed interest worldwide. Despite the increasing adoption of renewable sources, fossil fuels still dominate global energy production. However, a mid-March pledge from a cross-industry coalition—including major technology firms, financial institutions, and 31 countries—aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 to meet rising electricity demands. This shift is particularly significant for energy-intensive industries such as data centres.
During the meeting, IndustriALL’s Energy Director, Diana Junquera Curiel, highlighted the growing momentum behind nuclear energy, while also addressing the labour and social challenges that come with its expansion.
Country-Specific Nuclear Developments
The conference provided a platform for unions worldwide to present the latest updates on nuclear energy policies, workforce concerns, and regulatory changes:
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Japan: The country is cautiously restarting reactors under stringent safety standards while investing in next-generation nuclear technology. Japan’s nuclear workforce is also being rebuilt after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Delegates visited the Fukushima Daiichi plant to observe decommissioning efforts, including handling 880 tonnes of melted nuclear fuel, a process expected to take 30 to 40 years.
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Ukraine: The war has severely impacted the nuclear sector, with occupied facilities, attacks on plants, and violations of international safety standards. Despite this, Ukrainian unions continue to operate under challenging conditions.
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France: The country is experiencing a nuclear revival, with plans for new reactors such as the EPR2 and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). An estimated 100,000 new jobs will be created by 2034, but unions stress the need for improved working conditions, training, and union representation.
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Argentina: Unions raised concerns over privatisation threats, stalled projects such as RA-10 and CAREM, and the erosion of technological sovereignty in nuclear development.
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United Kingdom: A critical shortage of skilled labour in the sector is projected, with 160,000 workers needed by 2043. Funding gaps in nuclear decommissioning have also raised safety concerns, leading unions to demand a national skills strategy and supply chain support.
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South Africa: The transition from coal to nuclear energy presents both opportunities and complexities, with SMRs seen as a potential replacement for fossil fuels.
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Spain: The government’s plan to phase out all nuclear power plants by 2035 faces opposition from energy companies, which warn of electricity price hikes of up to 23% for households and 35% for industry.
Workforce and Safety at the Core of Nuclear Expansion
With the global push for nuclear energy expansion, unions emphasised that nuclear technology must be managed by countries with strong democratic values and human rights protections. Kazuo Kawano of Japanese union DENRYOKU SOREN stressed the importance of ongoing international collaboration among nuclear workers to ensure safety, job security, and sustainable development.
During discussions, INWUN Co-Chair Valery Matov called for enhanced information-sharing between unions, given the sector’s rapid transformation. He also advocated for renewed investment in uranium mining to secure long-term nuclear fuel supplies.
Strengthening Global Cooperation in Nuclear Energy
Following the conference, delegates visited the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum in Fukushima, marking the anniversary of the 2011 nuclear accident. They also stayed at J-Village, a former emergency response centre that has since been restored as a sports facility, symbolising regional recovery.
The meeting concluded with calls to expand INWUN’s network to include uranium mining unions and strengthen collaboration between member organisations. Key priorities identified for future action include workplace health and safety, training for younger workers, and support for employees affected by plant closures.
As nuclear energy takes centre stage in global decarbonisation strategies, unions remain committed to ensuring that expansion efforts prioritise worker rights, safety, and fair employment conditions.
