Holding back the tide

UNISON members working for the Environment Agency at the Thames Barrier represent “the epitome of the public service ethic at its very best”, declared UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis after a visit to meet staff who operate this iconic piece of British engineering. “By day and through the night, seven days a week, UNISON members are part of a team doing an essential job – monitoring the ever-present danger of flood to London and being there to take action if needed. “As Thames Barrier staff talk about what they do, it quickly becomes apparent that not only do they enjoy a generally good relationship with management, but that they are fully committed to their work and to maintaining the very highest standards. “These members do a very different kind of job compared to most other UNISON members. I was intrigued to learn that the Barrier is not just about protecting the capital from a surge coming up river from the North Sea but also in helping to mitigate the impact of rain and possible flood coming downstream to areas to the west and in central London. “This is a most important place protecting people who work and live in the capital and important places and facilities along the river such as the London Underground, St Thomas’s Hospital and the Houses of Parliament. And UNISON is at the heart of it.” Mr Prentis was given a guided tour of the control room and the operational areas of the piers and the floodgates by operations manager Andy Batchelor who ...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article Magazine environment and transport water Source Type: news