Presentation
Whilst ecology today faces the challenge of mainstreaming within other major societal concerns, it cannot ignore the situation surrounding the Labour Pact and the prospects of upheaval affecting it. Against this backdrop, IDDRI, in collaboration with its partner Étonnamment, Si., sought to conduct a survey amongst a sample of French people on this topic, at the intersection of the ecological and digital transitions and the profound transformations they entail, using an original methodology that combines collective dialogue and narrative testing. The aim was to gain a better understanding of citizens’ perceptions and expectations, and to identify viable pathways between labour and the environment.
Key Messages
- This survey points to a missing piece: current political narratives are outdated and out of step with the shared experience of work; workers describe a richer experience of work–which, for them, is neither a leisure activity nor a burden–and expect more appropriate narratives.
- An invisible link: amongst the citizens surveyed, there is a general endorsement of the environmental ambition in principle, but a difficulty in visualizing the transition, particularly in the workplace. There is a lack of evidence in the form of narratives to support this vision–that is, concrete examples illustrating a successful combination of the transition process and the transformation of work.
- The ecological transition is seen as a context with which we must cope, one characterized by constraints and opportunities, but it is not a project that, in itself, would drive workers’ aspirations, expectations and criticisms. During a debate on work, the transition is certainly present in the participants’ comments, but it is not the main focus. And the citizens surveyed expect it to create tension with certain workplace practices. They fear losing their autonomy if the ecological transition were poorly managed.
- The link between work and the ecological transition is neither to be undermined nor overburdened: it needs to be built, and there are compelling narratives that can help, such as the revitalization of territories and the promise of job creation. Above all, this must be done by focusing on work and the main concerns, i.e. working conditions and recognition.
Appendix
View the narratives that have been tested with the focus groups
