Safety first call over return to work
by Bernard Harbor
 
ICTU general secretary Patricia King said: “It is crucial that we ensure the re-opening of the economy is done in a safe manner and in line with public health guidance."
ICTU general secretary Patricia King said: “It is crucial that we ensure the re-opening of the economy is done in a safe manner and in line with public health guidance."

Fórsa and other unions have insisted that workers’ safety cannot be compromised as thousands of people return to workplaces under the Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’.


Last week, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) echoed Fórsa’s warning that employers must abide by the national protocol agreed between government, unions and employers, which outlines the steps required to ensure a safe workplace as restrictions are relaxed.


The second phase of the easing of coronavirus restrictions got underway on Monday of this week (8th June). This triggered a phased return to workplaces for many staff who can “constantly” maintain two metres of social distancing.


However, the Government’s ‘roadmap’ says remote working should be maintained “for all workers and businesses that can do so.”


ICTU general secretary Patricia King said: “It is crucial that we ensure the re-opening of the economy is done in a safe manner and in line with public health guidance. We cannot cut corners and compromise on workplace safety.”

 

Meanwhile, in a written submission to an Oireachtas special committee on Covid-19, Fórsa acknowledged the emerging tensions between public health requirements and the desire for a rapid return to commerce, trade and work.


But it said that, “if unsupported by public health expertise,” a bias towards the latter would be self-defeating in terms of jobs and business.


“The consistent implementation of the ‘return to work safety protocol,’ agreed between the Government, unions, and employer representatives through the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), must underpin the safe return to work, and ongoing workplace safety, in all sectors,” it said.


The union also warned that continued restrictions on childcare provision and public transport capacity, which remain in place during the current three-week ‘roadmap’ phase, could hamper the return to workplaces for many.


See also ‘Staff confidence in safety steps required’. 


Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE

 

 

 

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