Access denied

Using the toilet is a great leveller of humanity – even the highest paid fat cats have to “spend a penny”.

As such it almost beggars belief that in this age of unprecedented development and understanding, wayward employers prevent staff from using the loo or neglect to provide adequate facilities.

But the shocking truth is that many bosses seem to think that workers are automatons that do not require such basic human necessities as access to WCs – which is why Unite is flushing them out and sending their nauseating practises down the drain.

This week the union was involved in numerous actions to improve access to welfare facilities for workers, including winning a long–running campaign for the right of drivers to use an employer’s toilets while conducting deliveries.

From now on employers in control of non-domestic premises are obliged to allow people who are not their employees but use their premises to access toilets and washing facilities.

The change in the regulations is a result of Unite’s campaign to end the problem of drivers having to go to the toilet behind bushes, or having to continually “hold on” due to being denied access to toilet facilities – which is not only extremely unpleasant but also increases the risk of developing a number of health issues.

The requirement to give access to toilets and washing facilities also means that drivers can ensure that their hands are clean and hygienic. This is particularly important if drivers are making food deliveries.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said, “Finally drivers have won the right to access toilet facilities when making deliveries. This reform would not have occurred without Unite’s continued campaigning on this matter.

“This change in the application of the regulations is highly significant as it restores the dignity of drivers by giving them the right to use an employer’s toilet and hand washing facilities.”

Halloween protest

Meanwhile on Tuesday (October 31), Unite treated DPD parcel delivery bosses to a Halloween and toilet roll themed protest outside the firm’s super hub in Hinkley, Leicestershire.

The demonstration was called after allegations surfaced of workers at the site, which is one of Europe’s largest parcel sorting facilities, being forced to ask line mangers for permission to go to the loo.

Some DPD super hub staff, who have been denied the right to union recognition despite the firm having a national agreement with Unite at other DPD sites, have even alleged that line managers have refused workers time to use the bathroom facilities.

Other allegations include bullying, being made to wait for up to an hour to be searched after clocking off and the searching of female workers by male security guards.

Since Unite began action targeting the DPD super hub, union membership at the site has doubled.

Unite regional officer, Mark Pettifer said, “It’s horrific that workers at one of Europe’s biggest parcel sorting facilities are having to suffer the indignity of asking permission to use the toilet.

“We believe this and many of the other problems workers are facing is a result of the company reneging on its commitment to recognise Unite as it does at other DPD sites across the country.

“Unite staged the protest to demand an urgent meeting to resolve the problems being reported by workers and for management at the Hinckley site to recognise Unite.”

The union also called for action to improve toilet access for workers in Birmingham this week, urging the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate the lack of welfare facilities being provided to housing maintenance workers in the north of the city.

Keepmoat workers in Perry Barr, Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield  are being actively discouraged from using the company’s depot during working hours.

Use public loos instead

No toilets are provided, instead workers are encouraged to use free toilets provided by Tesco, McDonalds, KFC, public toilets, or toilets in sheltered housing developments.

Despite staff undertaking often hot and dirty work, the only washing facilities provided are protective cream, hand cleaner, hand sanitizer and paper towels – well below the standard set by the HSE in their welfare regulations.

The union noted that other housing maintenance workers across the West Midlands face a similar lack of welfare facilities.

Unite regional officer Stuart Baker said, “Housing contractors in Birmingham are flouting welfare regulations. This is about the dignity of the workers and the lack of welfare facilities can cause long-term health problems.

“In the 21^st century workers are entitled to expect to be provided with decent welfare provisions. Contractors can’t simply provide a map of McDonalds, some hand gel and a few paper towels and think that everything is hunky dory.

“The HSE has consistently said that it takes welfare regulations very seriously and now it has the opportunity to get involved and at least ensure these provisions are dramatically improved.”

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said the union will use every means available to ensure members have proper access to bathroom facilities at work, including naming and shaming firms.

He said, “If employers continue to refuse our members access to toilets we will pursue them through all avenues open to us.”

Pic by Mark Harvey