GSP 16-21 Adverse Weather Policy
20/May/2021
Description
Please find attached a copy of the Adverse Weather Policy which has been reviewed and updated following discussions between the CWU and An Post.
The Company Policy previously updated in 2011, was further reviewed following discussion at the 2018 Biennial Conference. The outcome encompasses the weather warnings issued by Met Eireann which are based on the forecasted and likely severity of the weather. There are three levels of warning with red being the most severe. The new policy outlines how An Post will deal with each weather warning and provides clarity for members when these warnings are issued.
The Company accepts that extreme weather events can impact on an employee’s ability to report to work and they will take guidance from the National Emergency Coordination Group and Met Eireann.
Weather warnings
One of the roles of Met Eireann is to issue weather warnings for Ireland. These warnings are designed to ensure citizen safety, mitigate damage to property and reduce disturbance to economic activity. In general, weather warnings will not be issued more than 48 hours ahead of the expected adverse weather but Met Eireann may issue weather advisories on potential hazards up to a week in advance.
Impacts from wind/rain/snow etc., vary depending on location, recent weather conditions, the state of ground, the time of year as well as the duration of the event. In particular the timing and location of the occurrence of extreme weather can significantly affect the impact which extreme weather may have on society, or on the economy.
Met Eireann use a colour coding which is fully aligned with international best practice and the European Meteoalarm system.
Status Yellow
Weather that does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale.
Status Orange
Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may pose a threat to life and property. Prepare yourself in an appropriate way depending on location and activity. All people and property in the affected areas can be significantly impacted.
Status Red
Rare and very dangerous weather conditions from intense meteorological phenomena. Take action to protect yourself and your property. Follow instructions and advice given by the authorities under all circumstances and be prepared for exceptional measures.
Policy
In addition to the above the policy sets out how An Post will respond to weather warnings and includes the following
- A decision may be made to suspend services during a red weather warning.
- The Company will advise its staff through appropriate communications channels as to its plans and the actions and procedures it will take prior to and during an adverse weather event
- If normal operations are suspended employees scheduled to attend in affected locations will be recorded as having given their scheduled attendance for the period of suspension.
- Where normal operations are continued during a Weather Warning, employees are expected to attend work as scheduled.
- Where however, because of localised conditions affecting them, an employee is unable to attend work as scheduled due to circumstances outside of their control, their line manager should be advised as soon as possible. The employee may then choose from one of the following options:
- Work from home or an alternative Company location
- Avail of Flexi Leave
- Use any annual leave carried over.
- Annual Leave
- Advance of annual leave
- Unpaid leave
Please bring this circular to the attention of all members.
Attachment to GSP No 16-21 Adverse Weather Policy