Sub-standard toilet facilities are causing health issues for the vast majority of women in the Australian transport industry.
A new report by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) found three in four (73 percent) women transport workers had been impacted due to inadequate facilities.
RTBU National Vice President (Women) Leanne Holmes said the report exposed appalling standards across the country.
Ms Holmes said the report revealed the need for a complete overhaul of standards, to guarantee women’s dignity and health.
She said the survey of women transport workers across the country, revealed systemic failures in basic workplace hygiene and dignity.
“It reveals many women are exposed to filthy, unsafe toilets that lack basic facilities like sanitary bins, and are routinely forced to justify taking toilet breaks.”
Ms Holmes said health issues included dehydration as a result of limited fluid intake (46 percent), stress or anxiety about access (46 percent), urinary tract infections (28 percent), digestive issues (15 percent), skin irritation (13 percent), menstrual health complications (13 percent), kidney problems (4 percent) and other infections (7 percent).
She said four in five (82 percent) respondents said they had resorted to dangerous or undignified coping strategies such as deliberately dehydrating, delaying bathroom breaks or using inappropriate locations.
“Women across the transport industry are being denied the most basic workplace rights: safe, clean toilets and the ability to use them when they need to. Not only is it unacceptable, it’s dangerous.”
Ms Holmes said the survey found almost half (44 percent) didn’t have access to sanitary bins when needed, and some were forced to empty them themselves, with four in five (82 percent) of women stating the lack of adequate facilities compromised their dignity and respect as workers.
“No one should be forced to risk their health or dignity just to do their job.”
She said the RTBU was calling for a mandatory national standard for transport workers which included:
- Guaranteed access to dedicated women’s toilet facilities.
- Proper sanitary disposal units serviced regularly by contractors.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of all facilities to ensure they are clean, safe and adequately equipped.
- Freedom for workers to take toilet breaks when needed, without interference or humiliation.
