UNISON enters into recognition agreement with EDF Renewables

UNISON, together with Unite, Prospect and GMB, has entered into a recognition agreement with renewables energy developer EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

The agreement will cover the company’s 633 staff, who work in five offices, eight service centres and 44 renewable energy sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The new agreement commits the trade unions and the company to work collaboratively to develop and grow the business and to provide high-quality jobs and a positive employee experience. Health, safety, wellbeing and skills pipeline development will be priority areas for discussion.

UNISON has a longstanding relationship with EDF UK, one of the two shareholders of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

Matthieu Hue, the CEO of 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 10 years there will be significant growth in our business.

“I firmly believe that working with the 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.” 

Donna Rowe-Merriman, UNISON national secretary and 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.”

Tracey Wainwright, UNISON NEC and energy member said: “The signing of this agreement is a significant milestone for UNISON. As our industry transitions to green energy production, it is only right that the trade unions have a seat at the table.

“As an industry, we need to ensure that all workers are treated fairly. We have a clear path for a just transition for those currently employed in the carbon intensive arms of our industry, while protecting those communities that are built around and rely on our industry to make a living.”

Lindsay McNaught, the chair of UNISON’s energy service group executive commented: “UNISON is the biggest union in the UK and a leading presence in the energy sector, with members in all the major companies, including EDF.

“Our members work across many parts of the business and we have a network of union reps who are always on hand to offer help when you need it and to represent your interests.

“UNISON is keen to develop a network of reps across the renewables sector – especially health and safety activists and union learning reps keen to develop the skills agenda in this expanding area.”