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 […]

Dandy – But not as you know it

Conference notes that workers with a disability encounter significantly more hurdles than their non-disabled colleagues. We applaud the great work done both within our WET Sector and the Self Organised Groups (SOGs) structures. However, we know there is always room for improvement when it comes to inclusion. Conference is aware when someone meets the definition […]

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 WET

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 WET service group as they have knowledge and experience of how our workplaces […]

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 […]

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 the Water, Environment and Transport (WET) Service Group employers. Greater flexibility should be welcomed where this works for staff. Some disabled women and women with caring responsibilities may […]

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 […]

Women Health & Safety Reps

UNISON has approximately 5,000 Health and Safety representatives across the union working hard to defend members’ health and safety at work. Over the past few years health and safety has emerged again as critical for protecting members’ rights at work, especially in the Water, Environment and Transport (WET) sector. However, the gender balance of Health […]