By Islam El-Sakka
Unison general secretary Andrea Egan said public sector workers are treated as an afterthought compared to the massive political focus on protecting North Sea oil and gas jobs.
Government Priorities Questioned
Egan called for the same political focus on NHS, education and care sector workers, noting that thousands of jobs have been cut in recent years across local government, the NHS and education.
Jackdaw Approval Criticized
The government recently approved the Jackdaw gasfield after pressure from the fossil fuel industry and right-wing politicians, angering climate campaigners and many Labour supporters who argue that extracting more fossil fuels will escalate the climate crisis.
Egan described the Jackdaw decision as a serious misstep that sends the wrong signal about the UK's climate commitments. She urged ministers to focus on creating secure, well-paid jobs in the renewable sector for oil and gas workers and to give similar support to the millions of employees in the public sector.
Rosebank Decision Looms
A final government decision on the more controversial Rosebank oilfield is expected before the end of the year. After the recent budget, which factored in Rosebank's approval, some Labour MPs have been lobbying Andy Burnham and John Healey not to overrule energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh if she decides to block the project.
Union Split on Fossil Fuels
There is a split among the UK's main trade unions on allowing fossil fuel companies to drill in the North Sea. Unite and GMB, which represent many oil and gas workers, back more licences, while Unison and the National Education Union oppose more drilling as part of a wider drive to create long-term sustainable jobs and tackle the climate crisis.
Unison Partners with Octopus Energy
Concern remains that jobs in the rapidly growing renewables sector are often not unionised and therefore less secure. Last week Unison announced a new recognition deal with Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy company, known for its focus on renewable energy. The GMB union had been attempting to gain recognition at Octopus, but the company said Unison stood out for its commitment to the energy transition.
Egan said the agreement is an important step to securing good, secure jobs in the renewable sector. She added that Unison is proud to be leading the way as the clean energy union and that more well-paid, unionised jobs are urgently needed to transition away from fossil fuels at pace.
