No cuts, no fees: public services into public ownership

Conference notes that, while the public sector proper was excluded from the increase in employers’ National Insurance announced on 31 October, this has placed significant financial pressures on private and third sector bodies delivering public services, such as universities and community organisations. Organisations like these both employ young workers and provide services young workers rely […]

Support Staff and Students, Against the Tuition Fee Increase

Conference Notes That: 1 The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has announced that tuition fees for higher education in England will be increased by 3.1% for the next academic year, for new and continuing students. 2 This will bring full-time fees up to £9,535, and part-time fees up to £7,145. 3 This is […]

Young workers need affordable public transport: opposing the rise in the bus fare cap

Conference notes that, according to research from the University of the West of England, over half of 16-24 year olds use buses every week and two thirds of this age group do not have access to a car. For many young workers in public services, buses are essential as a cheap, convenient and environmentally friendly […]

Challenging Far-Right Populism

This Conference condemns the violent protests called in early August by far-right and fascist groups following the tragic events in Southport where three children were killed and more were injured. They have sought to exploit this tragedy with lies and disinformation especially about migrant workers, refugees, Muslims and Black workers, leading to multiple instances of […]

Ceasefire Now- Justice for Palestine and the Existential Threat of Further Escalation in the Middle East

This conference notes: 1. On 01October 2024 Israel launched a major bombardment and ground invasion of Lebanon, causing thousands of deaths, and around one million people to be displaced. 2. On 26October 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This conference further notes: 3. Israel’s war is an assault on young people and […]

Energy policy fit for net zero.

Conference notes that to reach net zero we need a clear energy policy that is fit for purpose. We have seen too many times Governments moving the goalposts when it comes to a clear vision of what we need to achieve net zero. We have seen the roll back on the current Tory Governments’ timelines […]

Review of the Energy Service Group Executive Constitution

Conference notes the significant changes that have taken place across the Energy Sector in the last decade. Conference instructs the Energy Service Group Executive to undertake a review of the Service Group Executive constitution and bring any proposals changes to the current terms of reference to Energy Conference 2025.

The importance of self-organisation in energy

Conference acknowledges the importance of self-organisation within UNISON as it allows marginalised groups within the union to challenge discrimination in the workplace and to campaign in wider society. Conference also notes that members of self-organised groups are a valuable resource to the energy service group as they have knowledge and experience of how our workplaces […]

Year of LGBT+ Workers – Embedding LGBT+ Equality in Energy

Conference notes that 2024 is UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers and welcomes the opportunity that this provides to promote UNISON as the union for LGBT+ workers in the energy sector, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights, challenge discrimination, negotiate LGBT+ inclusive policies and recruit and activate LGBT+ members in the energy industry. The year highlights the […]

Work Life Balance and the right to Disconnect

There have been significant changes to working patterns and practices that have happened since the pandemic, including a large rise in remote and hybrid working, including in Energy sector employers. Greater flexibility should be welcomed where this works for staff. Some disabled women and women with caring responsibilities may find more home working a useful […]

Long term Impact of Working from Home and Hybrid Working on Energy Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work and hybrid work models, challenging traditional notions of the workplace. As we transition into a post-pandemic world, it is crucial to examine the benefits and challenges associated with these new ways of working. Since 2020 the role of working from home and hybrid working has […]

Delivering a Just Transition for the Energy workforce

This conference recognises the urgent need to commence negotiations across the energy sector for a just transition for the energy workforce supporting the crucial role that unions play in ensuring workers are protected and empowered throughout this transition. We believe that by promoting union-led just transition initiatives, we can create a sustainable and equitable future […]

Organising to Win in the Energy Sector – Empowering Workers and Strengthening Collective Voice

This conference recognises the critical importance of UNISON’s “Organising to Win’ national strategy that provides a vision of a stronger UNISON with a plan to increase member participation, build a bigger and more representative activist base, and achieve sustainable membership growth. In the Energy Sector we need to strengthen the collective voice to protect the […]

Car allowance rates as part of our national pay negotiations

Unison and other unions were told in 2022 that the local government employers would not negotiate on car allowance rates. The employers told us this was now a local issue despite the rates being part of the Green Book. Mileage rates have not changed since 2011 and have been significantly eroded by inflation. UNISON estimate […]

Neurodiversity and Women Members

This motion aims to further address the issue of neurodiverse women in the workplace, especially women working in the Energy sector workplaces and how they can be appropriately supported in careers. More women are being diagnosed as neurodiverse, yet many women are still waiting for tests and a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. As a […]