Unite launches ‘extreme weather’ policy demands

Trade union Unite launched its Workers in the Eye of the Storm report in Stormont’s Long Gallery this afternoon (Monday 16 June). The report details the results of a survey of Unite members on their experiences during Storm Éowyn and presents a range of legislative proposals to protect workers from the impact of extreme weather events.

The launch was sponsored by MLAs Philip Brett and Emma Sheerin and chaired by Unite regional women’s committee chair Gaye Partridge.

In addition to the sponsoring MLAs, speakers included economy minister Caoimhe Archibald, Clare Moore of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and Mark Campbell, father of Unite member Matthew Campbell who was killed while working in Slieve Gullion forest during Storm Ali in 2018.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Extreme weather is on the increase, and our members’ experiences during Storm Éowyn show that too many employers are failing to ensure workers’ safety. Stormont must legislate to force employers to do the right thing.

“Today’s launch is just one step in Unite’s campaign to secure the changes workers need. We will be taking our demands to all the political parties and demanding they take action to protect workers during extreme weather events.”

The keynote address was delivered by Unite regional secretary Susan Fitzgerald, who outlined a range of proposals designed to protect workers’ health, safety and incomes during extreme weather. These include:

• A graduated alert-based system for workplace closures with all non-essential work ceasing during ‘red’ alerts
• A climate leave entitlement of four days
• Maximum workplace temperatures
• Roving trade union health and safety representatives
• An obligation on the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) to attend all fatality sites as soon as practicable
• Three trade union seats on the HSENI board

Unite regional secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: “Our survey of Unite members shows that nothing has changed since Unite member Matthew Campbell was killed while working outdoors during Storm Ali in 2018.

“Existing health and safety legislation dates back to the 1970s and has not kept pace with the reality of climate change. It’s time to climate-proof our health and safety legislation and ensure that workers are not made to pay for a climate crisis not of their making.

“If politicians fail to take action, Unite will explore the option of holding independent workers’ inquiries to fully investigate workplace accidents and ensure those responsible are exposed.”