GSE 06-20 Return to Work – Lead Worker Represetative
17/June/2020
Description
As you know the next stage of opening Ireland’s economy is a safe return to the workplace. The Labour Employer Economic Forum (L.E.E.F.), involving the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, government and employers has developed a “Return to Work Safely Protocol”. It sets out the principal and practical steps required in order that employers and employees can keep themselves and their workplaces safe following a return to work. The focus is on a return to the workplace, however, it also applies to work areas where work continued during the pandemic. A key component of this protocol is the requirement for each workplace to appoint at least one Lead Worker Representative (L.W.R.).
The following extract details the role of the Lead Worker Representative. (L.W.R.) “Adherence to the Return to Work Protocol will only be achieved if employers and workers have a shared responsibility in implementing the measures contained within the protocol in their place of work.
Each workplace will appoint at least one Lead Worker Representative (LWR) charged with ensuring that COVID-19 measures are strictly adhered to in their place of work. The person(s) undertaking the role must receive the necessary training and have a structured framework to follow within the organisation to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus. This means that proper and meaningful discussions need to take place and a structure needs to be in place whereby a LWR can raise concerns and have them addressed by Management within a short period of time. There is a responsibility on Management to address these concerns without delay.
It is important that we remember that these roles are mandatory and that the consultation that takes place is also mandatory and is not the subject of negotiation. This does not remove the employer’s responsibility to consult with their Safety Representatives, Safety Committees and/or their recognised Trade Union about the measures being put in place to prevent the occupational exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.”
The C.W.U. National Executive Council considered the above requirement and has decided to appoint individuals to the role based on building type and functional area. It was important to align the role with our current union structure. The attached powerpoint slide outlines this structure and the individuals appointed to each role. It is worth noting that it is still eir’s responsibility to consult with Safety Representatives, Safety and Health Committees about the measures being put in place to prevent the occupational exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.
Our next priority is to develop an effective engagement model for L.W.R. with the company and deliver proper training and procedures. Indications are that a return to eir buildings/centres will not take place until September at the earliest. We need to continue with the adherence to H.S.E. guidelines and the use of P.P.E that has protected our field based members up to now. The Return to Work Safely Protocol, that includes the Lead Worker Representative, will build on this and ensure a collaborative and shared responsibility for safety of Covid 19.
Keep Safe.
Attachment to GSE 06-20 CWU LWR