SA
UNIONS
URGES
BOSSES
TO COOL
IT!
29
January
2009
SA
Unions
is
urging
employers
to be
flexible
as the
state
swelters
through
one of
its
worst
heatwaves.
SA
Unions
Secretary,
Janet
Giles
says
people
who
don't
have
access
to air
conditioning
or
coolers
-
particularly
if
working
in hot
environments
like
warehouses
and
sheds
should
be
allowed
respite.
"And
it's
just
plain
commonsense
that
there
should
be no
outdoor
work in
such
conditions",
Ms Giles
says.
"Workforces
with
union
collective
agreements
already
have
clauses
related
to hot
conditions
written
in as
part of
their
Occupational
Health
and
Safety
standards."
"On days
like
these,
the
construction
industry
practically
closes
down -
and for
good
reason.
But for
those
without
the
benefit
of union
representation,
we would
urge
bosses
to be
cool and
offer
flexible
working
arrangements."
"Really
good
employers
understand
the toll
that the
heat can
take,
and
should
even
allow
workers
the
flexibility
to
collect
their
children
from
school,
or tend
to the
needs of
elderly
relatives."
"Our
message
is 'cool
it', be
flexible,
and
survive
the
heat",
Ms Giles
says.
