Skip to main content
Why we need to talk about toilets
Today, on World Toilet Day it’s time to say passengers and staff on Britain’s trains deserve decent facilities, writes MICK WHELAN of Aslef
Train tolets

THE lack of access to safe, clean and appropriate toilet facilities and the lack of opportunities for staff to access them during their working day, is a real problem on the railway.

It’s an occupational health and safety issue. But it’s also a public health issue and an issue of basic human rights.

Workers who cannot access proper toilet facilities, or are not given the time by employers to do so, are forced to urinate in public areas, defecate in the open, use inappropriate containers, or even, on occasion, soil their clothes or seat.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Aslef TUC 2024
TUC 2024 / 9 September 2024
9 September 2024
Aslef general secretary MICK WHELAN writes for the Morning Star on the eve of the TUC in Brighton, about the pay offer from the DfT, relations with the Labour government, and the union’s motion at Congress calling for the renationalisation of rail freight
Pipe bands and banners parade through Durham during the Durh
Durham Miners' Gala / 13 July 2024
13 July 2024
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ trade union, writes for the Morning Star as union activists prepare to march through Durham today in a display of working-class solidarity at the 138th Durham Miners’ Gala
Mick Whelan with campaigners
Features / 4 July 2024
4 July 2024
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of train drivers’ trade union Aslef, writes for the Morning Star as voters prepare to go to the polls in the general election today
Mick Whelan and Dave Calfe
Features / 20 May 2024
20 May 2024
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, writes for the Morning Star on the eve of his union’s annual conference in Manchester from Monday 20 to Friday May 24
Similar stories
Aslef flag
Features / 21 November 2024
21 November 2024
NEIL FINDLAY slams the shocking lack of facilities and breaks forcing drivers to risk health and endure degrading conditions following a new report from train drivers’ union Aslef
Toilet sign
Britain / 19 November 2024
19 November 2024