Civil service union Prospect has signed a comprehensive recognition agreement with Great British Energy – Nuclear, making it the official trade union for staff at the Warrington-based operation.
GBE-N – which was previously known as Great British Nuclear – is the government’s expert nuclear-delivery body responsible for driving forward the UK’s small modular reactor programme.
Prospect has members across many parts of government and in the wider defence, marine and energy sectors. It said the recognition agreement covers negotiation on pay, pensions and terms and conditions – and also gives the union a voice in consultations on policy and reorganisation.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband said he was “delighted” that the recognition agreement had been signed. He added that “fair pay and favourable terms and conditions” were a central part of the government’s clean power mission.
“This is not only an important step towards ensuring economic security for workers across the country, but it is also a recognition of the essential role that trade unions are playing in driving forward good terms and conditions for workers, and clean energy for the country,” he said.
“This government's clean energy mission means good, unionised jobs in clean energy, from small modular reactors to renewables to carbon capture and storage.”
Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said energy was a sector where the success of unions can be plainly seen, particularly in relation to health and safety.
“That’s why it is so important that the government body responsible for supporting the nuclear industry has led by example in recognising Prospect,” he said. “We look forward to working with GBE-N as we forge a new era in nuclear generation.”
GBE-N chief executive officer Gwen Parry-Jones said trade unions had “an important role to play in the sector”.
She added: “I have a long and very positive relationship with Prospect and I look forward to this carrying on within GBE-N.”