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.
The deal will mean unions get better access to workplaces and opportunities to speak directly to staff, alongside strong workplace standards on health and safety.
It could also pave the way for trade union recognition across the booming offshore wind sector, with future agreements between offshore wind companies and trade unions expected to include commitments on fair terms and conditions, apprenticeships, and more inclusive workplaces.
Today (Friday 5 June) an initial 37 supply chain companies have agreed to sign up to the charter, alongside 5 trade unions – including GMB, Prospect and Unison.
This builds on government action taken this week to create 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors including construction, health, social care and hospitality. The new placements are part of a £2.5 billion youth employment package, which will see young people gain hands-on experience, build skills and move into work.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said
The government has always been clear that the workers who power the nation deserve power in their workplace too.
That is why we welcome this commitment from major offshore wind manufacturers and trade unions, who represent thousands of workers up and down the country, in bringing stronger working conditions and a greater, independent worker voice into 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 that building a more secure and stable energy system must – and will – go hand in hand with stronger workers’ 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
- Cadeler UK 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
- Maraen Holdings Limited
- Navantia UK 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
- SeAH Wind Ltd
- Severfield Nuclear 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
- VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
- Y-MatTec A/S
Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, said
Navantia UK 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 standards and 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 and Navantia UK 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 they haven’t been treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This Charter is an important step towards good, secure, unionised jobs in the sector, and the TUC is happy to have worked with government, unions and 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.
