SIPTU has written to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, requesting a meeting to discuss greater recognition and remuneration for frontline workers dealing with extreme weather.
In the letter, SIPTU Divisional Organiser Brendan O'Brien said the union is requesting the establishment of a review to examine and make recommendations regarding proper recognition and fair reward for Local Authority and State Agency workers required to operate in increasingly risky situations.
"This review should consider both remuneration for work directly associated with extreme weather events and wider recognition of the expanded duties, responsibilities, and qualifications our members now undertake," the letter states.
"SIPTU is keen to engage constructively with the department to ensure that Ireland’s public service is equipped to respond effectively to extreme weather events, while also ensuring fair treatment and recognition for the dedicated workers who deliver these essential services," Mr O'Brien wrote.
Yesterday, the Unite trade union launched a campaign calling for new laws to protect workers from the effects of extreme weather.
Among the measures being sought is a legal obligation on employers to implement graduated alert-based responses, with non-essential outdoor work ceasing during Orange/Amber alerts and all non-essential work ceasing during Red alerts.
Unite is also seeking paid "climate leave", if extreme weather makes it impossible to travel to work, maximum temperatures at which work must cease, and legal recognition of temperature-related illnesses as occupational diseases, as recommended by the International Labour Organisation.
The Department of Enterprise said while there are no plans at present to introduce paid leave for extreme weather events, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) provides guidance on employer and employee rights and responsibilities during severe weather.
"Officials of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment met with Unite last year to discuss their proposals and have offered to facilitate further engagement between Unite and the Health and Safety Authority to discuss how to further enhance and amplify messaging regarding extreme weather risks in the workplace," a spokesperson said.
