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.

Workplace Pensions in the Bus Sector

Conference notes that before deregulation of the Bus Industry in 1986 many bus services were run directly by Local Authorities, therefore the employees were members of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Since deregulation, bus company employees have been enrolled in vastly inferior Defined Contribution Schemes by their private sector employers. When they retire , it […]

Divest the SEPA pension fund from fossil fuels

The failure again of the latest COP climate talks, COP28, to provide an unambiguous statement on the phasing out of fossil fuels is both ‘dangerous’ and ‘devastating’, leading climate scientists have stated. One climate scientist said that it is a “tragedy for the planet and our future” whilst another scientist described it as “the dream […]

Paid – ‘Wellness Days’ for WET Members.

UNISON’S Yorkshire Water Branch and the company’s Occupational Health team have had a strong working relationship over many years, sharing and promoting ideas for a healthy working environment. In a recent meeting the health team shared that a staggering 52% of all referrals are linked to poor mental health. Conference notes that time away from […]

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 […]

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

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 WET sectors, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights, challenge discrimination, negotiate LGBT+ inclusive policies and recruit and activate LGBT+ members in the WET industries. The year highlights the […]

A call for tougher measures on illegal raw sewage discharges by the water industry

This service group conference is deeply concerned about the levels of illegal sewage discharges by the water industry into rivers. We believe that the current prohibitions against the illegal dumping of sewage waste are woefully inadequate. Worth noting is that releasing sewage into rivers and seas is allowed in the UK to prevent pipe systems […]

Self-Regulation

WET Conference 2024 recognises what UNISON predicted that self-regulation of the water industry has been an unmitigated disaster resulting in sewage discharges all over the UK during all weather conditions. We call upon the WET Executive to lobby an incoming government to overturn this legislation and work with organisations such as surfers against sewage to […]

Health and Safety Seminar

This conference calls upon the WET Executive to work with UNISON’s H&S section to organise a one day seminar to allow branches to highlight the many H&S issues experienced by UNISON members covered by the WET Service Group to assist in a work programme which will improve the working lives of our members.

The best way to protect the environment – retaining the Environment Agency

1)The best way to protect the environment – retaining the Environment Agency Conference, the Environment Agency is the foremost environmental regulator in England. We tackle waste crime and pollution incidents, regulate major industry and contaminated land, manage our flood defences and plan for drought and we protect our fisheries and enhance our habitat. Our 13,000 […]

Bus Services and Reduction in Passenger levels post-Covid

Conference condemns the ever-increasing amount of disappearing bus services in our communities and the consequent impact on UNISON members employed in the public transport industry. Many parts of the country apart from London, have seen declines of more than two thirds on the level of bus provision and commuting has dropped by almost 50% since […]

Creation of a Modern and Customisable Recruitment Video to Enhance UNISON’s Membership Drive

UNISON, as a leading public service union, has always been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights and welfare. In a rapidly changing work environment, innovative and effective recruitment strategies are crucial for UNISON’s continued growth and influence. UNISON Branches in the Water, Environment and Transport sectors recognise the need for such innovation in […]

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 […]