As you are all aware, a Status Red weather warning has been issued for the entire country for Friday, 24th January. In light of this, I would like to remind you of the key provisions of the HSE Red Weather Event Policy, which was previously negotiated by the INMO and other unions. This policy applies to all HSE and Section 38 employees during Red Weather events. Members employed in the private sector should seek to have the terms of the HSE Policy applied to them to ensure they too are protected/receive proper recognition for attendance during the Status Red Weather Warning.
If any member encounters difficulty in having the terms of the policy applied to them, please contact your local INMO Official, who will be able to assist.
Below are some key provisions of the policy. For full details and to ensure correct interpretation, please refer to the policy here.
Red Weather Event Policy
The policy provides that employees should assess the safety risks of traveling before leaving for work. If an employee feels it is unsafe to travel, they should contact their line manager to discuss the situation.
- Paid Emergency Leave: Employees may receive up to 1 day of paid emergency leave if they are unable to attend work safely due to severe weather. The employee must demonstrate reasonable efforts to attend work, and the leave must be authorised by a senior manager. If severe weather continues beyond one day, employees can use:
- Annual leave
- Unpaid leave (special leave without pay)
- Offset against time accrued (e.g. Flexi leave, TOIL)
In the event of the Red Weather conditions continuing beyond 1 day, the matter may be considered under the dispute resolutions process under the policy.
- Recognition for Early Attendance: Employees who attend work early during a Red Weather event may receive recognition awards, based on how early they arrive:
- 0-1 hour before rostered start: No award
- Greater than 1 hour but less than 4 hours before rostered start: €38.20
- Greater than 4 hours before rostered start: €76.40
- Time Off in Lieu (TOIL): Employees who attend work during a Red Weather event are entitled to TOIL for hours worked, up to a maximum of 1 day.
- Payment: Employees who present for work will be paid at their normal basic rate until the WTE is reached and overtime thereafter.
- Stay-On Arrangements: Employees requested to remain on-site or in accommodation provided by the employer to keep vital services going during the Red Weather event will receive a recognition award of €76.40 per incident (24-hour period). The employer will endeavour to provide accommodation and an evening meal. Employees will be reimbursed for these costs if accommodation is booked independently.
Please stay safe during this Red Weather warning and do not hesitate to contact the INMO if you have any concerns during this period.