Lead worker representatives, drawn from the group of unions representing staff in city and county councils, were agreed for each of the 31 local authorities at a meeting yesterday (Thursday) between Fórsa and the local government employers’ national representative body.

The ‘return to work safety protocol,’ agreed between unions, employers and the Government, requires all employments to have at least one lead worker representative, who will work with management to ensure the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and monitor adherence to the measures.

The local authority national council ratified the selection process last Monday (8th June) whereby each union appointed a worker representative in all local authorities. They then chose one person as the lead worker representative to work on behalf of the members of all unions.

Other responsibilities include promoting good hygiene practices; assisting with the implementation of measures to suppress the virus in the workplace; monitoring adherence to safety measures; consult with colleagues; and attend the relevant health and safety committee meetings.

At yesterday’s meeting Fórsa also sought the establishment of local meetings to consider the implications of phase changes to the Government’s roadmap for returning to work safely. Head of Fórsa’s Local Government and Municipal divisions Peter Nolan said the proposal was received positively:

“We are increasingly concerned at employers’ capacity to respond to the government’s request to continue to provide for remote working and must take a collaborative approach to ensure the safety of staff and service users alike.”

Read Fórsa’s advice on returning to your workplace HERE. 

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