The Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Lamb has committed to support the trade union charter and has included the commitment in the ruling Labour group’s manifesto.
The charter commits the council to work with Unite in order to achieve the highest standards in respect of direct employment status, health and safety, standards of work, apprenticeship training and the implementation of appropriate nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment.
“Everyone has the right to a safe working environment and the conditions set out in Unite’s Construction Charter should ensure construction workers are treated fairly and safely on council projects,” said Cllr Lamb.
“I don’t see this as setting an example, it’s really the least that any employer should do.”
“The council has ambitious plans to invest in affordable homes and to regenerate the town centre as part of a wider economic development and regeneration programme. The charter will cover important local authority construction projects including a range of residential, commercial and public realm improvements.”
Several other local authorities have also signed up to the charter, including Bristol City Council, which signed the pledge in July.
Unite’s regional secretary for the South East, Ian Woodland added: “We welcome Crawley council’s significant commitment to construction workers. Unite’s Construction Charter will help local workers to operate in a safe environment on construction sites and to ensure they can raise health and safety issues without fear.
“The council is involved in a number of important projects and workers on those projects will be able to work under the highest standards.”
