Unite's Recommendations for a Greener Workplace
1. There should be statutory rights for union representatives to gain access to environmental impact information on companies and an attendant statutory duty for employers to report on their carbon footprint, including that of their supply chain and transport costs.
2. In cases of offshoring, companies should be made to report on the environmental impact of relocation to ensure that companies are not avoiding robust environmental regulation or labor standards by relocating.
3. Employers should seek to reduce travel to work transport emissions through increasing cycle facilities, providing loans for public transport costs, encouraging car pooling schemes, and allowing workers to be home-based for part or all of their working time where appropriate. Flexible working should be a right for all workers, not simply a right to request.
4. Time off and access to learning and education should be available to all workers in order to raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues.
5. There should be statutory rights, facilities, and recognition for the work of trade union environmental representatives and activists in the workplace.
6. Trade union representatives should have consultation rights on purchasing and supply decisions that can affect the environmental impact of the workplace.
7. Company executives should have their pay and bonuses linked to meeting environmental performance targets.
8. Corporate social responsibility should include duties to report on practices throughout the supply chain and to source materials and services from suppliers who adhere to core labor and environmental standards.
9. Government and industry must promote cleaner and greener manufacturing and employment in environmental services and technology sectors through increased public funding for research.
10. There should be a positive procurement strategy for government departments embracing environmental responsibility and respecting core labor standards.