The Union effect shows that the role of union representatives has been central to green workplace initiatives. Indeed, a survey for the TUC carried out by the LRD in 2012 of over 1,200 union representatives showed that unions are in a unique position to lead on environmental and energy efficiency in the workplace. They can encourage changes in behaviour, and they also see it as their role to convince employers that greening their workplaces is a long-term investment rather than just a short-term cost.
Unions are well placed to:
At present this depends on voluntary commitments by both sides. However, the right for a recognised trade union to appoint union environmental reps could have a transformative effect in the area of the environment at work today. This cuts to perhaps the fundamental issue - that the three essential underpinnings of workplace environmental reps should provide for:
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox
To access the admin area, you will need to setup two-factor authentication (TFA).