The increased profile of climate change has started to impact on union organisation. More unions are reviewing how they respond to the issue. For some unions it has led to an increased focus on branch organisation. In some places they are referred to as green reps but this is not a universal term. They may be known as environment rep, climate rep, sustainability rep and in a way the title is not important. The most important thing is that in each workplace there is at least one person taking responsibility for the impact of climate change measures on employment. There is currently no legal right to appoint union reps to represent workers on this issue, In 2017, the TUC Congress passed a motion calling on unions to “lobby to demand rights for workplace environmental reps.” In addition to changes in the law, amendments should be made to the Acas code of practice ‘Time off for trade union duties and activities’. This would allow facility time for:
- appropriate training
- conducting environment and climate- related audits
- raising issues with the employer.
There is of course a big crossover with other industrial relations matters. In some union branches it will be the health and safety rep that takes on this role. The advantage of this approach is these reps do have legal rights under the Safety Reps Regulations 1977. On the issue of green skills, other reps with legal rights, like union learning reps, may also play a role.
Larger Trade Unions will be offering their own Green Reps training and the Wales TUC will also offer this training. If you are interested, please contact your Union Branch Secretary.