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Mr
Ghosh said that part of these arrangements ensured that unions had
clarity on how to raise safety issues in Council
buildings. He said that unions were in
negotiations on current arrangements and this was expected to be
concluded in the near future.
There was discussion about the terms of reference of this
Committee, and Mr Austin explained how they had not changed in the
Constitution but the focus on health and safety issues for the
Council other than as the employer was clarified. Councillor Brown
asked about the role of the unions on this Committee in the light
of this. He noted that there were no representatives at the
meeting; only one apology had been received before the
meeting. Mr Austin said that union
members are located within the work place and are aware of some
health and safety risks. Traditionally, their role had been to
escalate an urgent health and safety issue. Mr Ghosh said that a
union representative would attend this meeting if there was an
urgent health and safety issue they wished to raise with
members.
The
Chair said that last year, unions raised the health and safety
issues associated with the Broadway Theatre and fire safety
evacuation. Councillor Brown said that Chairs should be reminded to
read the fire and safety script at the beginning of every meeting.
This practice had stopped and should be re-instated.
Councillor Handley said that there had been health and safety
issues with people walking through the Laurence House car park. A
walkway had been provided and this had solved the problem. He asked
whether directorates still have meetings with trade unions. Mr
Austin confirmed that they were still held and a corporate meeting
had been added to ensure that matters are resolved.
There was discussion about the remit of this Committee. The
Chair then suggested, and it was agreed, that a written statement
of its remit be submitted to this Committee. When it has been
agreed by this Committee, it should be sent to all members of the
Council.
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