WORKERS are being forced to urinate into bottles and buckets and defecate into plastic bags because they have no access to toilets at work, the TUC warns.
A survey of more than 4,000 workers in TUC-affiliated unions, published today, revealed the scant attention given by some employers to workers’ needs for toilet access.
The TUC said the issue not only caused workers’ stress but also created health and hygiene problems.
Train drivers’ union Aslef is launching a “Dignity for Drivers” campaign at the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments this week over its members problems of access to toilets.
The TUC report includes examples of workers in jobs with little or no access to toilets.
A postal worker said: “I have to keep a bottle, funnel, wipes and hand sanitiser in the back of the van in case my bladder can’t hang on until the next available pub or public toilet.”
One train driver told the study: “We have to use plastic bags if doing a number two and bottles if doing a number one.”
And a female firefighter reported: “During a night shift I don’t drink as I should as there’s a great lack of facilities at an incident.
“This goes against hydration policy, but I don’t want to wet myself in front of a male-oriented workforce.”
The TUC is calling on the government to publish plans to improve provision as part of public health policy.
TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell said: “Carrying a bucket or a bottle around as your toilet is not dignified for anyone.
“And holding out when you need to go can lead to health problems.”
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “We need to address this issue and address it now. Long-term, the answer is to design out the problem.
“When the train [...] and freight operating companies are commissioning a new train they should build and design it to spec with a staff toilet on board.”
He said when old rail stock was being upgraded, drivers’ toilets should be fitted.
Unite is demanding access to toilets for bus drivers.
The union’s 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.”
