A1 Journal article (refereed)
Industrial workers’ perceptions on just transition and work in four Finnish regions : Three-level solutions (2025)


Kortetmäki, T., Huttunen, S., Järvelä, M., & Turunen, A. (2025). Industrial workers’ perceptions on just transition and work in four Finnish regions : Three-level solutions. The Extractive Industries and Society, 22, Article 101592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2024.101592


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsKortetmäki, Teea; Huttunen, Suvi; Järvelä, Marja; Turunen, Anni

Journal or seriesThe Extractive Industries and Society

ISSN2214-790X

eISSN2214-7918

Publication year2025

Volume22

Article number101592

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryNetherlands

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2024.101592

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99122


Abstract

Just low-carbon transition raises pressing questions about the fate of workers in different industries and regions. Industrial decarbonization will influence job availability, quality, and regional economic structures even where industries are not foreseen to phase out. Yet, labour-oriented just transition studies have so far focused on fossil fuel industries neglecting other energy-intensive industries. This qualitative research article focuses on energy-intensive industries in four industrially significant localities in Finland. These industries are expected to undergo significant changes in their energy-intensive production processes. The article examines industrial workers’ work and employment related perceptions concerning decarbonization, climate policies, and worker-level and regional capacities to transform vis-à-vis vulnerability under decarbonization. The findings reveal that just transition appears not only as a regional but also as an intra-factory and worker-level challenge, requiring comprehensive addressing by multiple actors. Differing regional characteristics and companies’ decarbonization strategies link to different perceptions about transition prospects and related justice concerns. While some solutions suggested by workers are shared across all studied contexts, others relate to region- or industry-specific factors or socially vulnerable worker groups needing more support. The results also call for reassessing the relationship between public and private sector regarding their responsibilities for just transition.


Keywordssteel industryforest industryclimate policyindustrial workers

Free keywordsjust transition; steel industry; forest industry; climate policy; regional vulnerability; industrial workers


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2025

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2025-25-01 at 20:06