Date 28 March 2007

Trade union swings support behind environment campaign

UNISON, Scotland's public service union, will today sign up to back the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Campaign, and also issue an environment manifesto, announcing that the union will campaign for the protection of Scotland's environment as part of its Revitalise our Public Service campaign during the run-up to the Scottish and Local elections.

The manifesto highlights the important role public service workers and UNISON members play in protecting and defending the environment. Planners, ecologists, geologists, sustainable development officers, engineers, scientists, park rangers, sewage and water workers, waste management workers environmental health officers and many more.

UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson says: ""We are highlighting the value of public services in the run-up to the local government and Scottish Parliament elections. This mini manifesto Revitalising Our Environment shows the excellent work carried out by our members across Scotland in protecting the environment in a range of public service roles.

"UNISON Scotland members are proud of the work they do. We believe that a clean and healthy environment locally and globally is vital for general health and wellbeing and for the future of the planet."

UNISON is also becoming the first trade union to sign up to the Stop Climate Chaos - Scotland campaign. http://www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org . It is the first time UNISON has highlighted climate change as a major part of its political campaigning.

Dave Watson says: ""Climate change is a major concern for our members. This is the first time we have made the environment a specific focus in our election campaigning. It reflects the urgent need for action on global warming.

"Our elected representatives must respond to the best scientific advice to set creative, realistic and fair policies to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming. "We are pleased to be the first trade union to join Stop Climate Chaos Scotland. Beyond the election we will continue our campaigning for greener workplaces, for sustainable policies, including a balanced energy policy, and for retaining Scottish Water in public control."

ENDS

Note for Editors: UNISON's Environment manifesto Revitalising our Environment, will be on the UNISON Scotland website. www.unison-scotland.org.uk/revitalise tomorrow along with other election material. Any requests for contacts with the UNISON members featured in the manifesto should be arranged via Chris Bartter

For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 0845 355 0845 (w) 07958 122 409 (m) Fiona Montgomery (Information Development Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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