Branch environmental officers from across the UK gathered at UNISON Centre in London, in September, for their first seminar.
The event provided an opportunity for members in this new role to network, share experiences, highlight available tools and support, showcase ongoing initiatives, and discuss plans for the 2026 Year of Green Activity (YoGA).
The seminar was co-chaired by Pam Sian, chair of the water, environment and transport service group executive, and vice chair Natalie Mladanovich-Haig.
Speakers included UNISON policy officer Michelle Singleton, Amalia Hammarlund from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and Sam Perry from the TUC.
Discussions opened with an exploration of the frustrations environmental officers face in their roles, such as limited employer engagement, political distractions, climate change denial, lack of facility time, unclear policies within employers, and greenwashing.
Despite these challenges, participants were determined and hopeful, highlighting the many initiatives – even small-scale ones – that can reduce emissions and protect communities. Solidarity was a recurring theme: “We are all in this together.”
Amalia Hammarlund outlined the global impact of climate change, stressing that the most vulnerable are already suffering. She emphasised the ITUC’s push for just transition policies to ensure workers’ voices are central to climate negotiations.
Sam Perry reflected on his time as a branch environmental officer in Harrogate, where he was successful in encouraging his employer to work in partnership to produce a credible green plan, before moving to the TUC as a climate change officer. He said that the crisis is systemic: “This isn’t about using different bins. Capitalism has caused climate change, and now we have an opportunity to change society itself.”
Participants noted strong public support for green initiatives and argued that unions must treat climate issues more seriously given their profound impact on workers. Mr Perry urged officers to ensure they are “always in the room” for transition and decarbonisation discussions.
The group then focused on activities for the 2026 Year of Green Activity. Proposals included:
- Collaborating with community organisations and other unions
- Sustainable products for freebies
- Building networks to share good practice
- Promoting climate literacy training in workplaces
- Requesting salary sacrifice schemes to fund the use of public transport or bikes.
All ideas will inform planning for 2026. Participants welcomed the union’s recognition that climate change is a priority for public services and the workers who deliver them.
If you would like to know more about the new branch environmental officer role, please contact Policy@unison.co.uk.
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