Many UNISON members with friends or family in the Philippines will be suffering from concern and anxiety from the current disaster. This will be particularly the case if they have families in the worst affected areas.
Currently all communications are down in Tacloban City and other areas hit by the typhoon and this means thousands of Filipinos have no information about their families. This is especially difficult for Filipinos working in countries outside the Philippines such as the UK.
It is likely that UNISON braches and steweards may get enquiries from Filipino members, including those wanting to take time to go home to the Philippines to find their families.
It may be useful to check collective bargaining agreements concerning compassionate leave for employees.
If members come to you suffering from stress and anxiety and saying they are unable to perform their jobs properly, you should advise them to inform their employer and seek medical advice.
If they are in distress because of the destruction of homes and possible loss of family members you should offer to help them approach their managers to get support. It may be possible to request some financial support from the employer or through the branch.
Get help: financial assistance
Being a sympathetic listener and undertaking some supportive action like organising a collection for the victims of the typhoon, may also lift the morale of colleagues affected by this disaster.
If there are issues or situations which you find difficult to resolve in the branch, you should contact your regional officers.
