Climate Change Week: green reps working for change

Back when PCS first created the ‘green rep’ role, Bruce leapt at the chance, having heard about it in a branch meeting. Since then, he’s been on a three-day training course and been committedly involved in the PCS Climate Change Network. Last year’s Green Forum event in Birmingham gave attendees a wealth of learning, best practice and case studies to inspire action on green issues.

“I’ve always been green,” says Bruce. “It’s as much a part of union activism as politics. We’re ruining the planet. We know the ice caps are melting, there are holes in the ozone layer – it’s scientifically proven. There are young children alive now who might grow up in complete catastrophe.”

Although there’s no specific facility time for green reps, Bruce manages to get his green work under his remit as a health and safety rep. He is also grateful that his colleague in the site’s Safety, Health, Environment and Fire team is keen to promote green issues. Together, they’ve worked particularly hard on getting recycling bins and turning off idle printers and monitors, as well as changing the coffee supplier to one which uses fully compostable cups (many recyclable cups are actually very difficult to recycle).

Driving forward colleagues’ personal behaviour changes remains the challenge. But at the MOD site in the south of England where he works, Bruce is happy to see some commitment from the employer. A big area it is concerned with is cutting power consumption. There are now solar-powered lights in car parks and all bulbs are gradually being replaced with LED lights.

“Every small act goes towards a greener movement. Big companies can easily make changes that have a hugely positive impact. And from passing motions at the PCS Annual Delegates Conference to pressure government and campaign for the environment, the PCS Climate Change Network is one of the best ways to work for large-scale change.”

PCS is a leading union on climate and environmental issues. Find out more about what’s going on for this year’s Climate Change Week. You can read about getting green issues into trade disputes from a fringe event at this year’s ADC. And you can read up on our website about being a green rep and PCS’s green activism. You can also sign up to register for a place on the next  PCS Green Reps & Climate Justice course, on 5 December (login to PCS Digital required).

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