Unite, the UK’s leading union, is marking World Toilet Day today by putting bus companies on notice, that routinely denying workers access to decent toilets will not be tolerated on any level.
The warning to the bus companies comes at a time when the union is increasingly making a lack of toilet dignity a key industrial issue. It has been a focus in a number of recent disputes.
Growing anger
The absence of toilet dignity and the lack of access to clean decent toilets for long periods is causing growing anger and resentment among bus drivers. Work is being undertaken to record examples how the lack of toilet access has damaged a workers’ health, with legal action being considered in these cases.
Unite is working closely with employment solicitors Thompsons over the legal right for access to toilets for bus workers. The research has found that bus companies across the UK are flouting health and safety regulations with their failure to provide adequate toilet provision.
Unite will be further developing its campaign for toilet access for bus companies early next year. It will use all industrial and legal avenues at its disposal to tackle the problem which is endemic in the sector.
Lack of access defies belief
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The right to decent toilets while at work should be a given. It defies belief that in the 21st century, workers are still being denied access to decent toilets
“Employers should be in no shadow of doubt. Not giving workers proper access to toilets is totally unacceptable. Unite is ready to take on any employer that won’t meet this basic requirement with the whole force of the union.”
Bus driver fury
The lack of toilet access was a key reason why bus drivers in London, supported by Unite, recently held a march and demonstration at Transport for London’s (TfL) headquarters.
Workers employed on Edinburgh trams had balloted for strike action and were preparing to walk out, as management had failed to resolve the problem of late running trams, resulting in workers being denied access to toilets. It was only when workers were on the verge of strike action that management took action to resolve the problem.
Porters at Southampton hospital will begin strike action later this month in a dispute over bullying and harassment. This includes porters being told that they have to ask permission to go to the toilet. Workers on their periods have been told to inform management of the fact, in order to be allocated additional toilet time.
A pay dispute at packaging company Jiffy in Cheshire was concluded earlier this month. As well as securing a pay increase and repealing an attack on sick pay, the workers also secured the ending of a degrading fob system which monitored their toilet visits.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham