08.04.16
HS2 agree to form new committee with TUC
HS2 Ltd and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) have signed an agreement to form a committee in order to maximise the economic and labour benefits of the high-speed railway line.
The agreement includes a commitment to form a committee, chaired by the CEO of HS2 and also including HS2’s director of HR operations and managing director for construction, the TUC general secretary and an additional representative, two representatives each from the RMT and Unite unions and one each from ASLEF, GMB, TSSA and UCATT.
The committee will discuss issues including trade union and workforce engagement, employment and recruitment, apprenticeships, health and safety, equality and diversity, procurement, environmental impact, the living wage and HS2’s legacy.
Simon Kirby, HS2’s CEO, said: “Our mission is to be a high-performing, innovative organisation that delivers value for money by applying the best in worldwide design and construction techniques.
“To accomplish this mission we need to lead a safe, valued and effective workforce. This fundamental agreement underlines our responsibility as a direct employer as well as a commitment to the wider workforce that will deliver HS2 across our supply chain.”
The agreement comes after the HS2 bill passed the House of Commons, bringing the project closer to reality.
It also includes a commitment for HS2’s partners to follow relevant national agreements and work constructively with trade unions.
HS2 is currently seeking phase 2 partners for project management services and design and environmental consultants.
Frances O’Grady, the TUC’s general secretary, said: “HS2 is a massive opportunity for workers in the construction and rail sectors. We look forward to working with HS2 and our member unions to ensure that equality, safety and respect are at the heart of the project.
“HS2 is key for creating jobs, driving economic growth, and narrowing the north-south divide. It's a much-needed investment boost in our railways.
“This agreement commits all those delivering HS2 to maximising benefits to the UK supply chain, crucial at a time when we are discussing the future of the UK steel industry.”
New measures were announced earlier this week to support the struggling steel industry by expanding steel procurement requirements to consider suppliers’ social and environmental policies for projects such as HS2.
HS2 were accused of “defensive communication and misinformation” with the public in a recent parliamentary report.
(Image c. HS2 Ltd)