The battle for union recognition at the nation’s biggest energy supplier is hotting up.
The GMB has written to Octopus founder Greg Jackson to request ‘voluntary recognition for the purpose of collective bargaining’.
Given that hundreds of Octopus employees are members of GMB, the company has called upon Octopus to recognise them as the official union, otherwise stating that they will get the Central Arbitration Committee involved.
However, Greg Jackson has previously states that unions are not needed at Octopus, meaning this request from GMB may not go down well. In this case, the CAC will become involved.
Nadine Houghton, GMB Regional Secretary, said: “GMB has hundreds of members across Octopus Energy and they are clear; they want their union to negotiate with bosses on their pay, terms and conditions.
“The recognition deals we already have in place with major energy suppliers deliver a happier workforce and a more productive company.
“We hope Octopus will want to benefit too – but we will take our case to the CAC if we must, to make sure our members’ voices are heard.”
Octopus have previously stated: “We’ve engaged constructively with unions and will continue to do so whenever our team asks us,”
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN