Green UNISON Week gives activists the opportunity to publicise the union’s work on green public services and to build awareness of this vital issue
Alongside the green activities and events UNISON promotes and participates in throughout the year, this September, the union will once again be supporting and encouraging branches to mark Green UNISON Week, using it to celebrate, discuss and share how the union is working to green public services.
From Friday 15th to Friday 22nd of September inclusive, branches across the UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.
At last year’s conference, a motion was passed to change our rules to make it mandatory for all branches to have an Environmental Officer position, so we anticipate increased activity at all levels of the union, and we’re up for it!
We’ll be updating you on new events and activities that you can take part in nearer the time and there are some activity ideas and resources on the website too.
Does your UNISON branch have an environment rep? If not, encourage your branch and any interested members to get involved and become green reps. You can find others who share your concerns about climate change and Green UNISON Week can be your springboard into starting a new green UNISON network where you work.
Click here and check under ‘resources’ to find out more about what being a green rep in UNISON is all about.
Hold a local UNISON green event. You could run a lunchtime stall in the canteen, a film show or a talk. Why not invite a speaker from a local environmental campaign group or a school student climate striker to support young people on the 23 September.
Run a green workplace training activity. Talk to your UNISON learning rep/s and look into running a lunchtime activity session for green reps and members who’d like to learn more.
NOTE: UNISON encourages solidarity with all peaceful climate events but for legal reasons, reminds members to avoid involvement in any potentially unlawful direct action in the name of UNISON or while using UNISON badging.
Be part of Green UNISON by using hashtags #GreenUnison in Twitter and Facebook events, photographs and solidarity messages from your branch or as an individual.
Use UNISON’s Greening of Public Services logo in your green work.