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UNITE GOES NUCLEAR ON JOBS
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham visited reps at Europe’s largest construction site, Hinkley Point C (HPC) in Somerset in February, writes Keith Hatch.
The general secretary was there to meet Unite reps, pictured below, 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 Hinkley branch workplace reps and officers. She addressed workers, answering questions before moving onto a briefing with officers, reps and EDF senior reps.
She took the opportunity to welcome a recent government announcement on increasing nuclear power and building new nuclear stations but said urgent action was needed to give Sizewell C the green light and government investment, stating all such expansions must guarantee high quality unionised jobs.
Unite has already signed three Solidarity Agreements with EDF, setting 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 said that a properly funded nuclear expansion programme will ensure energy resilience, drive forward industrial growth, and provide high-quality employment opportunities across the country.
Unite 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.
“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 the general secretary at HPC were Steve Preddy, regional secretary, and Lorriane Gibbs, regional equalities 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.”
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