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UNISON is seeking to expand its work with Friends of the Earth (FoE) in the ongoing campaign for a new UK due diligence law that will hold business, finance and the public sector to account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains.
The union and the environmental organisation already work closely at a national level, as part of the Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC), which is demanding that the UK government introduce a Business, Human Rights and Environment Act. UNISON is now hoping that green campaigners and union members can also start to work together at a local level on the campaign.
UNISON international officer Gemma Freedman said today: “For too long, UNISON members have used work products bought with taxpayers’ money that are linked to forced labour, union-busting and environmental destruction. Voluntary corporate responsibility has failed.
“Since 2018, we’ve worked with Friends of the Earth through the Corporate Justice Coalition to push for a robust due diligence law. Our organisations are aligned in their firm belief that businesses and the public sector must be held to account for human rights abuses, including the denial of workers’ rights, and environmental damage caused by their supply chains at home and abroad.
“To secure a new Business, Human Rights & Environment Act, we need the support of political parties and politicians across the country. By working together at the local level, UNISON regions and branches and Friends of the Earth local groups – alongside other local community groups, small businesses and other unions – can put pressure on their local MPs to support the new law.”
Friends of the Earth is asking local organisations, including UNISON branches, to write an open community letter, demanding local MPs support the new law by signing the CJC’s Good Business Matters pledge.
UNISON branches and FoE local groups may also decide to develop additional local campaign actions to promote the need for the new law and continue to put pressure on their local MPs.
Contact Friends of the Earth
You can find your nearest FoE local action group by entering your postcode into this map.
You can also email community@foe.co.uk to be put in touch with your nearest regional campaign organiser.
Contact UNISON
If you have any questions about UNISON’s involvement in the campaign, contact your regional officer responsible for international issues or i.relations@unison.co.uk.
