UNISON and Friends of the Earth are working together as part of the Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC). We're demanding a new UK law. This law would hold companies to account if they fail to prevent human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains — at home and abroad.
Who are Friends of the Earth?
Friends of the Earth is the UK’s biggest grassroots network dedicated to protecting people and planet. It’s part of Friends of the Earth International — with sister groups in over 70 countries around the world.
Our network is made up of campaigners, local action groups and supporters across the country. Together we campaign for a fairer, greener, future for all. This means a safer climate, abundant nature and healthy air, water and food. All through a Just Transition — so the process of getting there is fair for everyone too.
Friends of the Earth supports a network of over 200 local action groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These groups are made up of people in communities who are passionate about tackling the climate and ecological crises and fighting for a fairer, greener world for everyone.
We also have a long history of working with unions to progress social and environmental justice. Some local action groups will already be working closely with trade union movement in their areas.
Who are UNISON?
UNISON is the UK’s largest union, serving more than 1.3 million members, 80% of which are women. We represent staff who provide public services including health, education, local government, the environment agency, police and justice, utilities and more.
The motto “an injury to one is an injury to all” is a core principle of trade union solidarity.
As attacks on workers' rights accelerate, solidarity is more important than ever. UNISON has a proud history of standing with unions globally. It is the largest member of Public Services International, a global federation of 700 unions in 152 countries, representing over 30 million workers.
UNISON has a network of nearly 1000 workplace branches across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
- The branches are made up of UNISON members and run by democratically elected officers who represent their members to their employers.
- Each branch is connected to one of UNISON’s 12 regional offices whose work is also overseen by elected Regional Officers.
- Branch and Regional Officer positions include Environmental Reps and also International Relations Officers.
- Each year UNISON branches and regions submit motions to various UNISON conferences, regionally and nationally. These motions, if successful form UNISON’s policy.
UNISON has a long history of working with civil society organisations which align with its values to progress social and environmental justice. Some UNISON branches may already have links to Friends of the Earth Groups in their areas.
Planet over Profit campaign
Planet over Profit is Friend’s of the Earth’s campaign calling for a new Business, Human Rights and Environment Act. This law would tackle modern slavery and trade union busting. In factories producing fast fashion and work uniforms, PPE and electronics. It would also tackle harms to workers and the environment. Harms from mining for critical minerals. These minerals are used in solar energy and low emissions vehicles — and needed for the transition to clean energy.
As part of the campaign, Friends of the Earth recently published its Tainted Timber report. The report uncovers the impact of overseas deforestation. Deforestation caused in part by UK company supply chains using palm oil, timber and other commodities.
Campaigning together for a new law
Over the past 3 years, Friends of the Earth and UNISON have been working closely together to campaign for this new law. We both firmly believe that businesses and the public sector must be held to account for human rights abuses (including workers’ rights) and environmental damage caused by their supply chains at home and abroad.
Many environmental and labour rights abuses are interconnected, which is why UNISON and Friends of the Earth have teamed up to tackle these issues.
How do we secure the new law
We need the support of political parties and politicians across the country. By working together at the local level, UNISON Regions and/or branches and Friends of the Earth local groups – alongside other local community groups, small businesses and other unions – can put pressure on their local MPs to support the new law.
Friends of the Earth local action groups will be working with local organisations – including UNISON branches - to demand local MPs support the new law by signing the Good Business Matters pledge ahead of a Westminster mass lobby on 21 October 2026.
How to get in touch with Friends of the Earth locally
You can find your nearest Friends of the Earth local action group by entering your postcode into this map.
You can also email [email protected] to be put in touch with your nearest regional campaign organiser. If you have any questions about UNISON’s involvement in the campaign, contact your Regional Officer responsible for international issues or [email protected].
What about other environmental or climate change issues?
Friends of the Earth local action groups campaign on a range of issues. They will all be pleased to make a new connection with a UNISON branch. So get in touch with them today!