GSP 15-19 Accommodation/Health & Safety
31/October/2019
Description
The National Executive Council Meeting considered an update from An Post, proposed plans to address a number of accommodation issues, some of which entail serious health & safety concerns to staff working at these offices. The details of these as set out below have been dealt with at the Joint Working Groups:
Greystones
The Company has leased a premises in Kilcoole (3k from Greystones) which has a small amount of dedicated parking with further parking available a short distance away.
Bray (Boghall Road)
Repairs are being carried out on the leaking roof. Parcels will be directed to the new Kilcoole premises to relieve the overcrowding. The staff had raised concerns about Asbestos in the roof but following investigation no issues were identified.
Cahir
A new premises has been acquired in a nearby business park to handle parcels.
Cashel
A new fit for purpose parcel depot has been acquired on the Cork Road to handle parcels and it is fit for purpose as a parcel depot.
Dungarvan
The Company has sourced premises next door to the existing office and they have carried out remedial work.
Bantry
A site has been identified to house parcels and discussions are ongoing
Clonakilty DSU and Retail
No suitable site has been found for a parcel operation and the Company are actively looking for a site. Long overdue work in the Retail Unit has been completed.
Ardee DSO
The entire operation has been moved to the rear of a nearby supermarket.
Dunmanway
A temporary alternative unit has been sought.
Youghal
Two potential sites to house parcels are being examined. The Company looked at the adjacent Telephone Exchange but it was beyond repair.
Mullingar/Clonmel/Macroom
The Company is looking at erecting permanent canopies at these offices.
Tralee
The Company will have a reconfigured reg locker in place before the peak period.
GPO Dublin-Outhousing/Renovation
The Union has received a number of queries following the recent communication issued by the CEO on the future of the GPO. The Union had previously raised concerns regarding statements made at Senior Management meetings which caused unnecessary speculation and stress for members. The Company communication issued on foot of these concerns sets out their position.
To address the Company proposal, whenever they make up their mind, a sub group of the Joint Conciliation Council has been established to examine all aspects of any potential move. The Company has confirmed that while they believe they may have to move either temporarily or permanently they have not identified any premises. Either way they have outlined the GPO operations will remain in place for another twelve months. The Union position is that no agreements exists to move from the GPO with the majority of staff indicating that they wish to remain there. Discussions with the Company are ongoing and we will continue to seek the best possible outcome for members and advise of developments as they arise.
Little Island Premises Cork
The targeted closure of CMC is scheduled for 31st March 2020. Little Island DSU will remain in situ for the present. The Company are currently examining options to identify the best location for a ‘super DSU’. Little Island is a potential for this, but no decision will be made until end of Q2 2020.
General
The Union recognises the efforts to address the poor facilities at some offices. However, in some instances the conditions at offices are unacceptable and pose health and safety risks. In some cases the Union only hears about accommodation concerns when they have reached crisis point. The transition from letters to parcels will create further accommodation and health and safety issues in offices.
In that regard we are asking Branches to detail any accommodation or health and safety issues they have in any of the offices in their Branch including sub Offices. In order to give some assistance to Branches we have attached some guidance which the Union previously published in connect and which is based on the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application Regulations) 2007.
The Union are requesting Branches to address the following in their responses:
- Cleanliness
- Lighting both interior and exterior
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Space
- Access and Egress
- Emergency Exits
- Toilet facilities
- Washing facilities
- Canteen facilities
- Drinking water
- Cloakroom facilities
- Traffic Management including parking
Please revert with your response no later than Tuesday 11th November 2019.
Attachment – Health & Safety in the Workplace