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.
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.
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.”
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
Unite toilet dignity
campaign
