Conference notes that 2024 was the hottest year since records began, and the first calendar year with a global mean temperature of more than 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average. The impact of the climate crisis is being felt across the globe, leading to such extreme events as uncontrollable wildfires in Los Angeles, deadly floods in […]
Conference motions
Conference notes that 11.6% of members in the Energy Service Group were young members according to data from RMS in January 2025. Conference notes the specific barriers to young members in becoming active and involved in UNISON. Young members are more likely to experience low pay and precarious employment. They are less likely to be […]
Since the COVID hit we have seen an increase in Mental Health related illnesses. Rising long-term absences from work through depression and anxiety. Increased workloads through job reductions, greater workload demands and stresses on us along with the cost-of-living crisis. The Energy Sector was severely hit by this when we saw the energy crisis arrive […]
Conference is proud that UNISON is one of the founding members of the Disability Employment Charter (DEC) which now has over 220 organisations signed up to it, including trade unions, disabled people’s organisations, public service employers, charitable organisations, and private sector employers. However, the energy sector is not represented among these. Conference welcomes the Labour […]
Conference notes: I)UNISON’s Power to the People research has been a key resource in shaping our energy sector policies and campaigning efforts. II)Since its publication, the energy sector has undergone significant change, with Net Zero policies, renewable energy expansion, and shifts in workforce needs transforming the industry at pace. III)There is an urgent need to […]
Conference notes: 1)The UK energy sector is undergoing a major transformation, with the shift towards net zero driving increased investment in renewables, low-carbon technologies, and grid infrastructure. 2)A well-planned Just Transition is essential to ensure that workers across the energy sector both in traditional and emerging industries are supported with secure jobs, fair pay, and […]
Conference notes: I)The transition to a Net Zero economy is a global challenge, with energy sector workers across Europe facing similar changes in their industries. II)Many European countries have advanced Just Transition policies, including strong worker protections, government-led skills initiatives, and trade union involvement in energy policy. III)European Works Councils (EWCs) provide a platform for […]
Conference notes: 1)The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in the energy sector, particularly in customer service roles, is changing the nature of work. 2)Many customer-facing energy workers are now dealing with more complex queries, often following AI-driven interactions, leading to increased stress and workload. 3)AI-driven systems are failing to reduce abuse towards […]
Conference notes: 1)The energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with significant growth in renewables, clean energy technologies, and new infrastructure. 2)While these changes present opportunities for good, secure, safe, unionised jobs, they also bring challenges, including casualisation, subcontracting, and attacks on terms and conditions. 3)UNISON’s strength in the energy sector relies on an active, organised, […]
Conference notes Black workers in the energy sector have long faced systemic marginalisation and continue to experience significant barriers to career progression. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, Black workers remain disproportionately disadvantaged in the workplace. Conference believes, it is essential to take urgent action to address the specific needs of Black workers, ensuring […]
Conference notes: 1)Pay progression across the energy sector lacks consistency, with many workers facing stagnant wages, unclear career pathways, and unfair pay disparities. 2)Many energy companies use inadequate or outdated job evaluation schemes, leading to unfair grading, lack of recognition for skills, and barriers to career progression. 3)UNISON activists involved in job evaluation often face […]
Conference notes: 1)The UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy is accelerating, with major investment in renewables, clean energy technologies, and infrastructure changes. 2)While a Just Transition has the potential to create high-quality jobs, it also poses risks, including job losses, skill gaps, and uncertainty for workers in traditional energy industries. 3)A successful Just Transition must […]
Conference believes that customer facing workers are a vital lifeline for customers both in the field and the call-centres. However, with high energy prices, customers are concerned about being able to afford current energy bills and our members who work in customer facing roles can bear the brunt of this both on the phones and […]
Conference acknowledges the significant impact of new technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Energy sector. The rapid advancement of AI and other new technologies offers substantial improvements in productivity, efficiency and innovation within the Energy sector. The integration of AI can lead to economic growth, enhanced energy management and improved sustainability practices. However, Conference […]
Conference notes specific concerns since the inauguration of the new government in the USA. Specifically the impact on females and those who identify as female. • Conference we have been concerned since the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022 and the attitude in some states in the USA towards abortion and a woman’s right […]