A union has renewed calls for paid climate leave in Ireland as Storm Chandra's clean-up continues and more heavy rain threatens the island. Unite submitted proposals on Thursday demanding new employer obligations and worker protections during extreme weather events.
Storm Chandra brought heavy winds and torrential rain on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption across Ireland. Up to 20,000 properties lost power at the storm's peak. Rivers including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin burst their banks, flooding South Dublin areas. The towns of Enniscorthy and Aughrim were worst affected.
Transport systems faced severe disruption. The Dart rail service closed between Portmarnock and Howth Junction due to subsidence, affecting services to Belfast. A burst water main hit Fairview in Dublin. Flight cancellations and road blockages from debris and flooding created traffic chaos across the island.
Northern Ireland saw 300 school closures. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midnight until 6pm Friday, with 10-25 mm of rainfall expected generally and 40-60 mm over some hills.
Union Demands
Unite's proposals call for four days paid leave if extreme weather prevents workers from travelling to work. Workers would also receive four days paid leave to address home needs caused by weather damage.
The union demands legal obligations on employers for graduated responses based on weather alerts. Non-essential outdoor work would cease during amber or orange alerts. All non-essential work would stop during red alerts, with workers paid as usual.
Susan Fitzgerald, Unite's Irish secretary, said the union wants to update health and safety legislation to address climate change impacts. The proposals also include a 24C action level for heat management controls and an absolute maximum of 30C for work cessation if heat cannot be prevented.
Pressure on Authorities
Phil Ni Sheaghdha, Irish Congress of Trade Unions president, said: «When storms strike, many workers are advised to work from home where possible. But many others can't work from home, either because their employer can't or won't facilitate that or because they are essential workers. All employers must be compelled to prioritise staff safety and ensure that workers do not pay the price, financially or in terms of their wellbeing, for extreme weather events.»
Met Eireann faces pressure alongside the Government over the sufficiency of storm warnings. The forecaster issued a yellow rain warning for Thursday covering counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin "Boxer" Moran is assessing flood damage in affected areas. His visits come amid anger over delays to flood relief schemes. The ground was already saturated before further heavy rain arrived.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
