Storm Warning

As Britain braces itself for the hottest day of the year later this week, Unite Ireland has launched its Workers in the Eye of the Storm report aimed at safeguarding workers during extreme weather events.

The report was launched in Stormont’s Long Gallery yesterday afternoon (16 June), and 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 event was sponsored by MLAs (Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland) 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.

Talking to Unite Live last year Mark said, “Matthew had only worked for the company for three months, and had plans to be married to his fiancée in less than a year, when he was working at the site.”

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:

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.”

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said: “I thank Unite for producing this report. As part of my drive to deliver good jobs, I am committed to promoting workers’ safety. 

“Department for the Economy NI and HSENI officials will work with Unite to ensure that our policies and legislation are fit for purpose in light of the challenges posed by extreme weather events.”

Before the event Susan wrote a piece about the importance of the new legislation for the Belfast Telegraph, which is posted on Unite Live here.

Unite has produced resources and guidance for reps and is supporting a TUC week of action this July here. 

The Workers in the Eye of the Storm report can be found here.

By Keith Hatch