A Network of Protection for Housing Operatives
Unite activists from a number of housing associations have formed a network to help ensure that operatives and maintenance staff (including plumbers, electricians, and gas engineers), are able to work without putting their health at risk. They also want to minimise the chances of carrying Coronavirus between properties, and this means everyone needs to be aware of their rights, and is confident in enforcing them.
Whatsapp Network
To create a permanent and secure network of communication, a Whatsapp group has been formed. This will help us share information, and crucially, will give members somewhere to turn to if they fear victimisation for refusing to enter an unsafe site. The group is open to any operative (or their reps) working for a housing association. Please send your name, employer name and your phone number to suz.muna.unite@gmail.com to be added.
Unite has also launched a hotline for reporting unsafe building sites which can be contacted as follows:
Opposing Unsafe Workplaces
If employers attempt to force members into unsafe sites, we will actively oppose them including through Unite's political networks, and through campaigning. One option being considered by the group is a 'Day of Action' with all operatives coordinating a refusal to work on health and safety grounds. Unite will also be contacting the larger employers to ask them to sign a specific agreement for operatives working during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Briefing Materials on H&S resources:
There is plenty of advisory material available, but it is sometimes hard to find the information that is most relevant. We will therefore provide a collection of the most relevant material, including the template letter developed by the Housing Workers Branch that workers can send if they believe their employer has breached health and safety law or government guidance on Covid-19 safeguards. See the template and other H&S resources here.
Legal Cards:
When members do have a concern and want to discuss it before acting, as well as their regional officers, they can phone Unite's legal department directly for advice. Unite advises:
"If Unite members need advice on a COVID-19 related employment law query that is not covered by the online information, and the workplace rep is not available, you can call Unite’s dedicated COVID-19 Legal Advice Line on 0333 202 6557".
We will develop a pockit-sized resource providing this information and a summary of a member's right to refuse to work if they are being put in imminent danger. This will be especially important for the many lone workers amongst our members who might find it difficult to stand up to pressure.