SIPTU members ensure Ireland endures the storm
Weather events such as Storm Emma are still described as once in a generation occurrences.
However, in the last six months, Ireland has experienced two once in a generation weather events; Storm Emma and Storm Ophelia last October.
As the disastrous effects of climate change deepen, it seems certain that in the coming years extreme weather events will become a greater feature of our lives. It is during such periods of national crisis that the value of our emergency services, utility workers, health and local authority staff is driven home to us on a national level.
SIPTU members across the country should be proud that the men and women in these jobs, who stepped up to assist our communities, in the majority of cases, belong to our union.
It is their commitment which ensures that all our society endures the stresses of such traumatic events, displaying the best of the values of community, public service and unity which underpin their work and the principles of our union.
We should remember, however, that our members in the local authorities, emergency services, utilities, transport sector and health services put these values into practice every day in their work.
We should be proud of the role of SIPTU members during the recent weather red alert period.
We should also be proud and appreciate their service at all times.
