Unions to Take Action on Climate Change

Posted by admin

July 6, 2008

LONDON, July 7 /PRNewswire/ —

Unite representatives working in electrical engineering, electronics and
IT are calling for statutory rights for union representatives to gain access
to environmental impact information on companies.

The sector is also calling for company executives to have their pay and
bonuses linked to meeting environmental targets. The union has published a
report entitled ‘How Green Is My Workplace?’. The publication gives guidance
on how union representatives can raise awareness of environmental issues to
make workplaces greener.

In a survey of 10,000 Unite members in the electronics and IT sector, 83%
believed that their workplace wasted energy and resources and 87% believed
unions should be involved in designing and implementing measures that help to
improve the impact of workplaces on the environment.

Workers can contribute to the preservation of the environment through
raising awareness of environment issues and challenging their employers to
take action. Through identifying the links between good environmental
practice and getting a better deal for workers, unions can put climate change
on the bargaining agenda.

Union representatives are already making an environmental difference in
their workplaces but much more could be done with statutory rights. Unite
members at Cummins have helped to establish an environmental committee, to
reflect the eco-credentials of the employer. The company manufactures wind
turbines and aims to recycle all waste produced in the manufacturing process.
At Fujitsu, Unite members take part in the company’s Green Team initiative
and have introduced environmental training for employees.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, said:

“Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world
today. The Government is acting to tackle it, in particular through the
Climate Change Bill.

“The commitment of industry to deal with climate change is growing in the
UK. I believe that trade unions and their members have a vital role to play.
I very much welcome the contribution that Unite, Britain’s biggest union, is
making to this important debate. Trade Unionists can really help change to
happen in the workplace as part of the move to a lower carbon economy. I hope
that this publication will be widely read and will raise awareness of climate
change.”
Unite national officer, Peter Skyte said:

“More Co2 is emitted by processes in the workplace than at home, and half
of the energy used in the UK comes from workplaces. It makes perfect sense
that unions should challenge employers to take action on climate change and
the environment. Our members in IT and electronics are calling for statutory
rights for union representatives to put the preservation of the environment
on the bargaining table.

“We believe workers can contribute to the preservation of the
environment. Innovative and dynamic changes are already taking place in
workplaces because union members are getting involved.

“The outlook is very clear. No employer will make money from a dead
planet and no worker will gain from being part of a poisoned population.”
THE REPORTS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A GREENER WORKPLACE

1. There should be statutory rights for union representatives to gain
access to environmental impact information on companies and an attendant
statutory duty for employers to report on their carbon footprint, including
that of their supply chain and transport costs.

2. In cases of offshoring, companies should be made to report on the
environmental impact of relocation to ensure that companies are not avoiding
robust environmental regulation or labour standards by relocating.

3. Employers should seek to reduce travel to work transport emissions
through increasing cycle facilities, providing loans for public transport
costs, encouraging car pooling schemes, and allowing workers to be home based
for part or all of their working time where appropriate. Flexible working
should be a right for all workers, not simply a right to request.

4. Time off and access to learning and education should be available to
all workers in order to raise awareness and understanding of environmental
issues.

5. There should be statutory rights, facilities and recognition for the
work of trade union environmental representatives and activists in the
workplace.

6. Trade union representatives should have consultation rights on
purchasing and supply decisions which can affect the environmental impact of
the workplace.

7. company executives should have their pay and bonuses linked to meeting
environmental performance targets.

8. Corporate social responsibility should include duties to report on
practices throughout the supply chain and to source materials and services
from suppliers who adhere to core labour and environmental standards.

9. Government and industry must promote cleaner and greener manufacturing
and employment in environmental services and technology sectors through
increased public funding for research.

10. There should be a positive procurement strategy for government
departments embracing environmental responsibility and respecting core labour
standards.

Unite the Union

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