Date: 14th May 2021
To: All Mandate Members – Heatons / SportsDirect / Brand Max
Re: Update for members regarding Return to Work and National Pay & Benefits Claim
Dear Member
Return to Work
Many of you have, or will be returning to work over the next few days and on behalf of the National Negotiating Team we wish you well with this. This will inevitably present its own challenges following such lengthy closures and we must be prepared to deal with any ongoing issues as they arise.
While there is much talk about Covid Protocols and similar documents the governing piece of legislation in the area of workplace safety is The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This is one of the most radical pieces of legislation on the statute books in Ireland. Some important principles flowing from this are:
- Your employer has legislative obligations towards you regarding your Safety, Health & Welfare at work.
- Everyone has a responsibility for Safety, Health & Welfare in the Workplace.
- Issues must be raised locally as and when they happen. Solving problems days or weeks later is extremely challenging, especially if they were not raised at the time when they occurred.
Should you require any assistance with any such matters please contact your local Mandate Office.
National Pay & Benefits Claim
As you are no doubt aware the 2020 claim remains outstanding, with talks having been delayed due to the uncertainty caused by Covid-19. The company and the National Negotiating Team have committed to arranging talks presently and you will be updated as these talks progress. By being well organised we can serve to represent the interests of all workers in Heatons/Sports Direct/Brand Max best so please encourage your colleagues who have not yet joined Mandate to do so. It has never been easier to join Mandate, please share the https://joinmandate.ie/ link with your colleagues. Remember, together we are stronger.
Yours sincerely
On behalf of the National Negotiating Team
Amanda Kane
Divisional Organiser