Octopus Energy denies it is anti-union as workers push for recognition
GMB says that as a top-rated ethical company, UK’s largest energy firm should welcome involvement of unions Workers are pushing for union recognition at the UK’s largest energy company, Octopus Energy, known as a progressive organisation with a focus on renewable energy. The GMB union is planning to submit a formal proposal for voluntary recognition at the London-based company and says Octopus,…
<Union pushes for union recognition at UK's largest energy company>
GMB, a British trade union, is pushing for union recognition at Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy company. The union plans to submit a formal proposal for voluntary recognition, stating that Octopus, as a top-rated ethical business, should welcome the involvement of trade unions. However, Octopus Energy, known for its tech-driven approach and focus on renewable energy, denies being anti-union and emphasizes that union recognition is up to the staff to decide.
Octopus Energy spokesperson stated that the company has engaged constructively with unions in the past and will continue to do so when asked. They also highlighted that Octopus is an outstanding employer and consistently named one of the UK's best places to work.
Tony Tanushi, a regional energy officer at GMB, criticized Octopus Energy's management for showing "no appetite" for unionization. Tanushi added that if the company's application for voluntary recognition does not work out, he would be willing to take it to arbitration. He emphasized that staff at Octopus Energy want union recognition, as competitors provide a genuine platform for employee feedback, and they want the same opportunity.
GMB has been criticized by climate groups for its support of fossil fuels and opposition to heat pumps. Octopus Energy spokesperson argued that opposing heat pumps and EVs means turning their back on the industries that will create the next generation of skilled jobs and directly jeopardizes thousands of jobs across the business.
Mel Evans, head of climate at Greenpeace UK, said that while the company works closely with Octopus Energy on the just transition to a low-carbon economy, unions must be involved in this process. She emphasized that jobs are needed in the renewables sector to provide alternatives to the fossil fuel industry, and those jobs must be secure, well-paid, and unionized. Evans stated that Greenpeace cannot achieve the transition without the support of unions and workers.
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