Unions urge ALP to accept need for gas and back blue collar workers or face losing next election

Labor MPs told gas power is a necessary part of the transition to renewables

Union officials have given Labor MPs a message that gas will be needed in the transition to renewable energy, and have urged them to defend blue collar workers in traditional industries or face losing another election.

The leadership of the Australian Workers Union and the construction and mining union attended a briefing organised this week by Labor's country caucus, which is run by the shadow resources minister Joel Fitzgibbon.