The leader of the UK’s largest trade union has urged the government to direct the same political attention toward NHS, education, and care sector workers as it gives to the North Sea oil and gas industry. Andrea Egan, general secretary of Unison, stated that public service personnel are frequently treated as an afterthought.
Public Services Versus Fossil Fuels
Egan acknowledged that guaranteeing secure, well-paid employment for oil and gas workers in future industries is essential. However, she contrasted this with the thousands of job cuts affecting local government, the NHS, education, care workers, nurses, and teaching assistants in recent years.
North Sea oil and gas returned to the spotlight after the government approved the Jackdaw gasfield following intense pressure from the fossil fuel industry and right-wing politicians. This decision drew criticism from climate campaigners, scientists, and Labour supporters, who argued that extracting more fossil fuels will worsen the climate crisis without lowering bills, boosting energy security, or reversing long-term job declines in the sector. A final decision regarding the Rosebank oilfield is anticipated before the end of the year.
Following the budget, which accounted for the project’s approval, the Guardian reported that certain Labour MPs lobbied Andy Burnham and John Healey not to overrule Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh if she chooses to block Rosebank.
Union Divisions and Renewable Energy
Egan described the Jackdaw approval as a serious misstep that sends the wrong message regarding the UK’s climate commitments. She argued that ministers should prioritize creating secure, well-paid renewable sector jobs for oil and gas workers while supporting the millions of public sector employees affected by deep cuts, concluding that the government must invest in clean energy and public services.
UK trade unions remain divided on new North Sea drilling licenses. While Unite and GMB support additional licensing to protect their oil and gas members, Unison and the National Education Union oppose further drilling to support long-term sustainable jobs and address the climate crisis. A key union concern is that rapidly expanding renewable sector jobs are frequently non-unionized and offer lower security and pay than oil and gas positions.
Unison recently announced a recognition agreement with Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy company. Octopus stated that Unison stood out for its commitment to the energy transition after GMB had previously sought recognition at the firm.
Egan called the agreement a significant milestone for securing good, secure employment in renewables. Unison aims to lead the clean energy transition by rapidly moving away from fossil fuels while establishing more well-paid, unionized positions.
