Four trade unions (Prospect, Unite, GMB and UNISON) have entered into a forward-thinking recognition agreement with leading renewables energy developer EDF Renewables UK and Ireland. It will cover the company’s 633 people who work across 5 offices, 8 service centres and 44 renewable energy sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The new agreement is designed to support a modern inclusive workplace culture with a progressive collective engagement model. It commits the company and the trade unions to work collaboratively to develop and grow the business, and to provide high-quality jobs and a positive employee experience. Health, safety and well-being, and skills pipeline development will be priority areas for discussion.
All four trade unions already have a long-standing relationship with EDF UK, one of the two shareholders of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.
Matthieu Hue, CEO EDF Renewables UK and Ireland said,“ We are proud to be one of the first renewable developers to sign an agreement like this with the four trade unions. Our ambition is to have a 10GW capacity by 2035 and that means over the next ten years there will be significant growth in our business. I firmly believe that working with the four trade unions will allow us to have an extra level of support which will help us get to where we want to be. I look forward to working closely with them all.”
Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said, “This recognition agreement represents an important partnership between EDF Renewables UK and Ireland and its trade unions as we attempt to maximise the opportunities from the move to net zero. Working together employers, unions and government can bring about the change necessary to not only decarbonise our economy but do so in a way which boosts the economy and creates a generation of high quality, safe, secure jobs.”
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “GMB is delighted to sign this landmark agreement; it shows both EDF and unions want progressive industrial relations which will support the drive to deliver net zero. As the renewables sector grows, all parties will work to make sure good job opportunities are created, giving people from all backgrounds the chance of a decent future in the industry. This is an important step that will help drive higher standards in the industry.”
Donna Rowe-Merriman, National Secretary and UNISON Head of Energy said, “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the energy industry’s shift to cleaner, renewable sources, proving collaboration is essential and effective. Unions play a crucial role in supporting current and future employees at EDF Renewables. UNISON is committed to working closely with EDF as the UK embraces a renewable-energy future.”
Simon Coop, national officer for energy and utilities at Unite said, “Unite recognises the importance of this landmark agreement with EDF Renewables. Unite will now meaningfully engage with EDF Renewables and be a key stakeholders in supporting the business, its employees and our members.”
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About EDF Renewables UK and Ireland
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (www.edf-re.uk) is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 44 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1.5GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 14GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.
About Prospect
Prospect represents 157,000 members in the public and private sectors across the UK and also in Ireland. Prospect members work as curators, educators, engineers, scientists, managers and specialists in areas as diverse as agriculture, regulation, communications, defence, entertainment, energy, environment, heritage, industry, media and transport.
About GMB
GMB, Britain’s general union, represents more than 500,000 workers across the UK – including tens of thousands in the energy sector. We have recognition agreements in nuclear, domestic gas, offshore and onshore wind, offshore oil and gas and right across the renewables industry.For more information, visit www.gmb.org.uk/join
About UNISON
UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
About Unite
Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.
