6. Union action on climate change in the workplace

Findings from the LRD survey establish that union reps are very motivated about tackling climate change and reducing emissions. Nearly 40% of the respondents said they were more concerned about the environment now than they were a year ago while a further 57% said their concern was about the same as last year.

How concerned are you about the environment compared with a year ago?

As demonstrated in previous chapters, unions have played a key role in supporting workplace measures on the environment. However, they are also key to driving through environmental improvements. The survey found many examples of union reps driving environmental initiatives and lobbying management for support.

A fifth of respondents (21%) said their union had made proposals to management on the environment/climate change. This is a crucial part of union involvement in green issues as union reps will be supported by their members and their involvement in any projects reassures employees that their interests are taken into account.