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The WTD as a perceived threat to DF Operational Effectiveness
It was previously considered by Management that full implementation of the Directive to DF activities would adversely affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence Forces. In the case of Portlaoise Prison, it was recognised that derogation would not permit personnel to work in excess of a 48-hour week on average, therefore, an exemption was seen as the only option in order to continue to provide the service. This demonstrates the application of a narrow focus which refuses to countenance the application of additional resources to alleviate worker fatigue and safeguard welfare. A cost benefit analysis of financial compensation vs the cost of more frequent rotation would be of great benefit. It comes down to a simple equation: if and when the exemptions proposed below are not granted, the organisation will have to curtail its operations or increase its workforce. This holds true for many of our core activities. A 2018 audit of working hours by RACO highlighted the following average weekly hours being worked by our members (averaged over a 6-week reference period):
• EOD Officer working 70 hours per week
• Officer of the Watch on Naval Vessel working 63 hours per week
• Lt in Inf Bn working 60 hours per week
• Troops in Portlaoise Prison working 88 hours per week.
All of these activities are regular and routine, and can easily be planned; therefore, they must be brought into line with the 48 hour maximum working week provided for by law.
RACO Annual Delegate Conference 2018
RACO invited experts from An Garda Síochána, the German and Swedish Armed Forces, the Association’s legal advisor and well as key members of the Military Management Working Group on the WTD to our conference, in order to dispel some of the myths surrounding the threats of the WTD to operational capability and effectiveness, and to educate the delegates and in turn the guests from the Military Management Working Group on the opportunity that the legislation presents in promoting wellbeing and work life balance, increasing morale and assisting retention.
Mr Pat Ennis and Mr John Parker from the Garda Representative Association spoke at length about the Garda experience in implementing the WTD. This involved protracted negotiations between the representative associations and Garda Management, at a neutral venue, and culminated in a negotiated agreement known as the Westmanstown Working Time Agreement.
| EU WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE |
RACO Gen Sec Designate, Comdt Conor King, addressing conference
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