Thames Water should be brought into full public ownership, says UNISON today (Friday).
The union has joined forces with GMB and Unite – who also represent staff at Thames Water – and the TUC to issue a joint statement on the troubled firm.
The call comes as environment secretary Steve Reed said the government was ready for all eventualities when asked about the future of the company. The unions say returning Thames Water to public ownership would give staff certainty about their future and improve service to the public.
The unions say: “The chaos at Thames Water has dragged on for too long. The collapse of the most recent private equity investment deal is just the latest chapter in a long-running failure.
Sticking-plaster solutions are not the answer. It’s time for the government to step in and bring Thames Water into full public ownership.
“While the company lurches from crisis to crisis, the workforce has been shut out – forced to learn about key developments from the media.
“They are the ones keeping the system running, despite years of underinvestment, poor management, and rising abuse from a public that’s lost all faith in the company.
“Any new investment that doesn’t demand damaging concessions or pile more pressure on workers is looking increasingly unlikely. This is the legacy of failed privatisation.
“The government must act – taking Thames Water into public hands and giving its staff the certainty and respect they deserve.
“Returning Thames Water to public ownership is the best way to protect staff, serve customers, and safeguard the environment.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in the NHS, education, local government, water sector, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
The article Bring Thames Water into full public ownership and give staff the certainty they deserve, say unions first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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