Unite calls for bus worker toilet dignity

Trade union Unite is marking World Toilet Day today (19 November 2024) by telling bus companies that lack of decent toilet facilities will not be tolerated.

The union’s warning comes at a time when it is increasingly making a lack of toilet dignity a key industrial issue, saying it has been a focus in a number of recent disputes. It says there is growing anger and resentment among bus drivers over a lack of access to clean decent toilets for long periods. It is undertaking work to record examples of how the lack of toilet access has damaged 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. It says the research has found that bus companies across the UK are flouting health and safety regulations with their failure to provide adequate toilet provision. It says it is to use all industrial and legal avenues at its disposal to tackle the problem, which it claims is endemic in the sector.

“Not giving workers proper access to toilets is totally unacceptable” – Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham

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 TfL headquarters.