Received from: ASLEF
Congress recognises the work that train drivers do to transport people and goods across our country.
Congress notes that many transport workers, particularly those in rail freight and the wider logistics sector, lack many basic necessities like clean, safe fully functioning toilets and washing facilities, as well as the ability to access them.
Congress commends the work of ASLEF and its Dignity for Drivers report which highlights the issues that train drivers face every day.
Congress notes with the alarm that nearly 70 per cent of drivers who responded said their employer does not provide safe, clean, accessible toilets that they can easily use at work, and nearly 80 per cent said they were expected to work over four hours before having a suitable break.
This leads to drivers deliberately dehydrating or using make-shift methods to relieve themselves.
Congress recognises the long-term health issues that could be caused by an inability to use the toilet and the mental health stress of worrying about this while at work.
These issues are compounded for people with disabilities such as Crohn’s disease, and also for people who are menstruating or going through the menopause.
Congress therefore calls on the general council to:
i. convene a roundtable of relevant trade unions from the transport and logistics sector to discuss the issue of welfare facilities and breaks, building on the TUC’s current campaign
ii. lobby the government to deliver the promised health and safety review as part of the make work pay agenda.
Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen