In the run up to Earth Day on Saturday 22 April, UNISON has announced the dates of the union’s popular Green Week, which will run from 15 – 22 September this year.
The union will once again be supporting and encouraging branches to mark Green UNISON Week, using it to celebrate, discuss and share how the union is working to green public services.
From Friday 15 to Friday 22 September inclusive, branches UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.
Speaking of the event, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The climate crisis could not be more pressing and is being felt across the globe.
“Green UNISON Week is our chance to focus on and highlight these issues – it is just one part of giving vital space to demand politicians take seriously the damage being done to our planet and to act to save its future.
“Public services are key to the governments pledges in this area so engaging with members and employers is vital and UNISON must play it’s part in supporting our members in negotiating and challenging on this issue.
“We’re encouraging branches to run a week of activities for members and most importantly to engage with employers on how they can reduce their own carbon footprints and ensure their employers have a plan to green their workplaces completely. It’s never been more important.”
Earth Day
This Saturday, 22 April, marks Earth Day – the notional anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
This year, the theme is “Invest In Our Planet” which highlights “the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future.”
Linking with Earth Day, Extinction Rebellion is organising a large family-friendly march in central London on 22 April as part of its own four-day action, ‘The Big One’ – find out more here.
NOTE: UNISON encourages solidarity with all peaceful climate events, but for legal reasons, reminds members to avoid involvement in any potentially unlawful direct action in the name of UNISON or while using UNISON branding.
