Unite goes nuclear on jobs

Yesterday (Feb 6) Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham visited reps at Europe’s largest construction site, Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

Sharon Graham was there to meet Unite reps and discuss key areas within construction and how the union can support them. While there she took the opportunity to push for investment for Sizewell C in Suffolk. 

The visit was organised by Hickley branch workplace reps and officers, and she addressed reps and answered questions before moving onto a briefing with officers, reps and EDF senior representatives.

The GS took the opportunity to welcome the government’s announcement on increasing nuclear power and building new nuclear power stations, but said that urgent action is needed to give Sizewell C the green light and government investment, and that all such expansions must guarantee high quality unionised jobs.

Unite has already signed three Solidarity Agreements with EDF and contractors that set out how Sizewell C will promote a strong safety culture while providing workers with high standards of health, safety and welfare services, including mental health services.

Unite is the UK’s leading trade union representing workers in construction, engineering and energy, and feels that a properly funded nuclear expansion programme will ensure energy resilience, drive forward industrial growth, and provide high-quality employment opportunities across the country.

The union made it clear to the government that the nuclear programme must also include the complete go ahead for Sizewell C and be swiftly followed by other large scale nuclear power plants as well.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “The UK’s energy future depends on investment in secure, reliable infrastructure. That is not just SMRs, it also means getting Sizewell C over the line.

“This nuclear expansion must benefit workers and communities, not just shareholders. That means good, unionised jobs.

“This investment must not be done on the cheap. We will not accept any attempt to cut costs by undermining pay, conditions, or safety standards. This must be a programme that delivers well-paid, skilled, unionised jobs from day one.

“Too often, major infrastructure projects have previously relied on exploitative employment models, with substandard wages and precarious contracts.

“We expect full engagement with unions to ensure that workers’ voices are heard at every stage of this process. That means investment in apprenticeships, training, and the upskilling of the UK workforce to meet the demands of the future energy sector.

“The future of UK energy must be built on a foundation of good jobs, strong protections, and a commitment to a fair deal for workers.”

Joining Sharon Graham on the Hinkley Point C visit were Steve Preddy, Regional Secretary, and Lorriane Gibbs, Equality Officer from Unite South West. 

Steve praised the team of reps at the site, saying; “The branch does its members, the community and region proud. It carries out frequent positives that highlights the best of trade unionism for working people and communities.”

By Keith Hatch