LONDON, June 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Workers in coastal towns and industrial heartlands are set to see stronger protections, as offshore wind supply chain companies and trade unions back the government's Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter.
Thedeal will mean unions getbetter access to workplaces and opportunities tospeak directly to staff,alongsidestrongworkplacestandards on health and safety.
It could alsopave the wayfortrade union recognitionacross the boomingoffshore windsector,with futureagreements betweenoffshore wind companiesand trade unionsexpected toinclude commitments onfair terms and conditions, apprenticeships, andmoreinclusive workplaces.
Today (Friday 5 June)an initial37 supply chain companies have agreed to sign up to the charter, alongside 5 trade unions - including GMB, Prospect andUnison.
Thisbuilds ongovernmentactiontakenthis week to create 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors including construction, health, socialcareand hospitality. The new placements are part of a £2.5 billion youth employment package, which will see young people gain hands-onexperience, buildskillsand move into work.
Energy Secretary Ed Milibandsaid:
Thegovernment has always been clear that the workers who power the nation deserve power in their workplace too.
That is why we welcome thiscommitment from major offshore wind manufacturersand trade unions, whorepresentthousands of workers up and down the country, in bringing stronger working conditions andagreater, independentworker voiceinto the offshore wind industry.
As we continue to go further and faster in delivering the clean power mission in the wake of the war in Iran, we are clear thatbuilding a more secure and stable energy systemmust - and will - go hand in hand withstrongerworkers' rights.
Trade unions signed up:
* GMB
* National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
* Prospect
* Trades Union Congress
* UNISON
* Unite the Union
List of companies who have signed up:
* The Port of Aberdeen
* Associated British Ports Holdings Limited
* Belfast Harbour
* Bilfinger UK Limited
* Boskalis Subsea Limited
* BPP Cables Ltd
* CadelerUK Limited
* Falmouth Docks & Engineering Company
* First Marine Solutions Ltd
* Forth Ports Limited
* Hitachi Energy UK Ltd
* Holcim UK Limited
* Hutchinson Engineering
* JDR Cable Systems Ltd
* Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Limited
* MaraenHoldings Limited
* NavantiaUK Ltd
* Nexans Norway AS
* N-Sea Offshore Wind BV
* OCU Utility Services Ltd
* Orient Cable (NBO UK) Ltd
* Great Yarmouth Port Company Ltd
* Peter McCormack & Sons Ltd
* Sarens PSG Limited
* Sarens UK Limited
* SeAHWind Ltd
* SeverfieldNuclear and Infrastructure Ltd
* Severn Sea Shipping Company Limited
* Siemens Energy Limited
* Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Limited
* Smulders Projects UK Ltd
* Stockton Drilling Limited
* Taylor Woodrow Infrastructure Limited
* Van Oord Offshore Wind UK Ltd
* Vestas Celtic Wind Technology Ltd
* VolkerFitzpatrickLimited
* Y-MatTecA/S
Donato Martínez, CEO ofNavantiaUK, said:
NavantiaUK is proud to be among the first companies to sign the Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter. Signing the Charter reflects our deep commitment to fair treatment,high standardsand genuine partnership with our workforce and trade unions. The offshore wind sector offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create well-paid, skilled jobs in communities that have long powered this country andNavantiaUK is committed to playing our part in making that a reality for workers and communities across the UK. We look forward to working with government, industry and unions to make this sector one that workers are proud to be part of.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said:
Offshore wind workers are on the frontlines of building energy independence, making the UK less dependent global turmoil. But for too long theyhaven'tbeen treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This Charter isan important steptowards good, secure, unionised jobs in the sector, and the TUC is happy to have worked with government,unionsand industry to get it over the line. Now, we need to proper implementation and enforcement to protect all workers in this critical area.
Steve Adams, Managing Director of Hutchinson Engineering, said:
Hutchinson has a longstanding commitment to fair work principles. The Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter strongly aligns with our company's ambitions and future growth, reinforcing our commitment to creating high-quality jobs, supporting workforce development, and ensuring that the benefits of success are shared with our employees.
Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT, said:
It is positive to see a number of companies signing up to the Fair Work Charter and committing to stronger engagement with trade unions across the renewable energy sector, including the maritime supply chain. RMT will continue to campaign to ensure these commitments translate into real improvements for local workers throughout the supply chain that deliver for local communities.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
