Trade Union Prospect has signed a recognition agreement with Orsted UK, covering all employees involved in the operation and maintenance of its 12 offshore wind farms in the country.
The agreement will see Prospect recognised as the sole negotiating body for the terms and conditions of around 450 of Orsted’s operations & maintenance staff, based at sites across the UK including Barrow, Grimsby, Liverpool and Brightlingsea.
Both Orsted and Prospect are committed to building a highly technically-capable workforce with sustainable careers and competitive terms and conditions, they said in the agreement.
Prospect said it now represents more than 20,000 energy workers, in some of the same areas where Orsted’s sites are based.
In August and September, Prospect will be at Orsted’s offshore operations sites, in Barrow, Grimsby, Liverpool and Brightlingsea for facilitated meetings to introduce the union and to provide the opportunity to join as a recognised union member.
Prospect trade union senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “This landmark recognition agreement with Orsted demonstrates Prospect’s commitment to securing a just transition for workers in the energy sector.
“It shows that employers and unions can work together constructively to meet the country’s greatest challenges and sets an example to the rest of the renewables sector.
“Wind power will play a critical role in securing an energy secure, net zero future for the UK and through this agreement we will ensure that the workers delivering that change have the best possible terms and conditions at work.
“We are a growing and ambitious union in renewable energy and we are working hard to increase our membership and recognition across the sector.”
Orsted head of region for the UK said: “When developing this partnership, Prospect and Orsted have found strong alignment of values, ambition and experience in the energy sector.
“Prospect is well-established in the offshore wind sector, priding itself on empowering and upskilling highly technical roles whilst also having a strong reputation for establishing fair and equitable terms and conditions for employees.
“Prospect will work with our successful Employee Engagement Forum to support their ongoing work representing our offshore wind operations teams as well as providing specific support to individuals who choose to join Prospect as a recognised member.
“We believe our partnership with Prospect will complement the ongoing and forthcoming work on a range of complex and challenging tasks, ensuring Orsted is best positioned for the future growth of the offshore wind sector as the UK aims to have 50GW installed by 2030.”