Taking action on heat at Harris Scarfe in Mandurah
Harris Scarfe Mandurah is a great case study in Union members taking action to get air conditioning fixed and win a comfortable working environment.
Perth’s summer months are always scorching, now consider that our in-store temperature readings were exceeding those taken outside the store!
Believe it or not, this was a brand new store, where you might expect a brand new and perfectly functioning air conditioning system.
This was not the case.
After investigating, the SDA learned that the air conditioning had not worked correctly since the store opened a month earlier. The store was equipped with a temperature monitoring panel which exposed the high internal temperatures and humidity.
After consultation with our Organiser and Health and Safety Officer, Harris Scarfe management was agreeable to arranging and paying for the required system repairs and in the interim agreed to installing temporary portable AC units, fans, increasing breaks, supplying cold water and repairing the cold water tap in the staff room.
The SDA’s ‘It’s Not Cool’ campaign is dedicated to finding solutions to hot uncomfortable workplaces. More than just getting air conditioners fixed, It’s about getting the ball rolling on multiple solutions to heat, while the bigger job of air conditioning install or repairs are ongoing.
Stores like Harris Scarfe Mandurah now have a range of heat management strategies in place, strong union membership, as well as a properly functioning air conditioner.
Thanks to the members at Harris Scarfe Mandurah (L to R) Organiser Jodie, Jodie, Tanya, and Karen.