Global Shale Gas and the Anti-Fracking Movement: Developing Union Perspectives and Approaches TUED Web Meeting January 28, 2014

What is hydraullic fracturing, “fracking”?

Gas Industry Pushes “Golden Age of Gas” 7.3 billion cubic feet of ‘technically recoverable’ shale gas 41 countries have significant shale gas supplies Fracking already occurring or being explored in many countries

Water Contamination from Fracking Fracking Produces Large Amounts of Wastewater – where does it go? Fracking Chemicals, Methane, Wastewater – Pose Serious Risk to Drinking Water and Natural Waterways

Water Scarcity from Fracking Fracking Uses Huge Amounts of Freshwater Each fracking well uses 2 million to 5.6 million gallons of freshwater (7.6 to 21 m liters)

Fracking Effects Worker Health & Safety Workers Exposed to Harmful Levels of Silica Silica sand is used as a proppant to keep fractures open Effects: silicosis, lung cancer, other diseases Shale Gas Contains High Levels of Radon Radon is the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers Effects workers as well as communities near drill sites and end point users

Bridge To Nowhere: Full Lifecycle Emissions of Shale Gas Greater Than Coal

Global Opposition to Fracking Grows

Trade Union Positions on Fracking Many Trade Unions Have Not Yet Taken A Position On Fracking Unions Supporting Fracking : O il and Natural Gas Industry Labor-Management Committee, U.S. Trade Union Bodies Oppose Fracking, Call for A Ban Union locals in certain states like New York and California, U.S. CUPE and UNIFOR, Canada TUC, UK CTA and FeTERA, Argentina European Public Sector Unions PSI Tunisian affiliate

Unions Join Call for Global Moratorium on Fracking?

Thank you