TUSDAC calls for workplace action on the environment

Sustainable development is a core trade union issue just like health and safety, and much can be achieved in the workplace.

These were the messages from a conference held by the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee (TUSDAC) at the TUC last month.

The chair of TUSDAC is Paul Noon, general secretary of science and professional union Prospect. He told the conference: "Hazards don't stop at the borders of the workplace or at the borders of a country. For us, doing nothing is not an option."

Noon argued that unions have a duty to their members and the younger generation to take up environmental issues at work. TUSDAC wants to see environment reps in the workplace, with recognised rights and time off similar to safety reps.

Noon also called on the government to set up a sustainable development fund to spread best practice in the workplace.

Robert Sneddon, head of safety at the Community union, told the conference that there were already many examples of environmentally conscious practice negotiated by unions, such as energy saving in offices, recycling of paper, car sharing and pollution control.

Sneddon also told Labour Research that "unions should get their own house in order by promoting sustainable development policies". Community promotes high environmental standards in its own offices, and insists that suppliers and contractors use environmentally friendly goods and practices.

More information on TUSDAC is available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/tusdac