Examples of unions initiating action

The examples listed here demonstrate the active role unions play in bringing about environmental improvements. Many of these proposals are still at negotiation stage while some will unfortunately have been rejected by the employer. However they all demonstrate the key role union reps play in ensuring environmental issues are on the table.

Transport proposals

Prospect reps at BT say the union has called for the introduction of charge points for electric vehicles in some company car parks; and a UCU rep in Hertfordshire describes union proposals for a bike purchase scheme and subsidised bus tickets for staff.

A Prospect rep at a power company has campaigned for the introduction of a cycle to work scheme which has now been accepted in principal and the viability of this particular scheme is currently being assessed by the company. Similarly a UCU rep from a Manchester college reported that union reps campaigned long and hard for a Cycle to Work scheme to be introduced.

A Unite rep working in the NHS is trying to convince her employer to reduce all subsidies for car use and make all mileage payments the same for cycling and driving and a UNISON rep working for a local council is calling for all staff to be given bus passes.

Energy efficiency proposals

A UNISON rep in local government is trying to persuade the employer to install double glazing and another local council rep is calling for a system to be installed so appliances shut down when not in use. Another UNISON rep at a power company wants management to support local environment audits. Meanwhile, like a number of other shop stewards in this survey, a Prospect rep for a government department is trying to ensure that the review of the energy supply contract leads to the selection of green energy provider.

A Unite rep at a technology company led a campaign for all the CRT (cathode ray tubes) monitors to be converted to flat screen ones. Although this proposal was rejected as too expensive, new screens are now flat screen ones which consume much less electricity. CWU reps at BT have called for the installation of wind turbines on buildings.

A Prospect rep at a utility company thinks their suggestion for sustainability awareness and role specific environment training will be taken up.

Financial scheme

Unite reps at a technology company are negotiating for an energy/environmental bonus scheme where savings from energy efficiency and recycling initiatives get shared between the members and the company. Unite reps at an engineering company are trying to persuade the employer to pay workers an incentive to collect and recycle bolts that fall on the floor during assembly operations that are normally swept up and put in the rubbish.

Recycling

PCS reps at the Department for Work and Pensions are pushing for staff to be able to recycle their aluminium drinks cans and plastic bottles in green recycling bins; and UCU reps at a local college describe their proposals to extend the recycling scheme to make greater use of recycled and sustainably sourced paper.

Joint working

Whilst a significant number of employers are now happy to discuss environmental issues with unions (see Chapter 6), some have resisted change. GMB reps in local government in the West Country put forward a request to create a joint environment committee but unfortunately this was declined.