Union wants government to develop a mandatory national standard for female transport workers
Female transport workers in Australia are suffering from health issues as they are denied access to safe and clean toilets, according to a new report.
Findings from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) found that 73% of women transport workers have suffered health issues due to inadequate facilities. These issues include:
- Dehydration as a result of limited fluid intake (46%)
- Stress and anxiety about access (46%)
- Urinary tract infections (28%)
- Digestive issues (15%)
- Skin irritation (13%)
- Menstrual health complications (13%)
- Kidney problems (4%)
- Other infections (7%)
More than four in five women (82%) added that the lack of adequate facilities also compromises their dignity and respect as workers, according to the report.
"This is more than just a workplace issue, it's a national health and safety crisis," said Leanne Holmes, RTBU national vice president (Women), in a statement.
"It's a bloody mess and it's about time it's cleaned up."
Inadequate access to clean facilities
According to the findings, 44% of women transport workers don't have access to sanitary bins when needed, with some forced to empty them themselves.
More than four in five (82%) added that they've resorted to dangerous or undignified coping strategies, such as deliberately dehydrating, delaying bathroom breaks, or using inappropriate locations.
Some women in the report added that they are forced to justify toilet breaks over the radio, bleeding through their clothes while on their period, or wetting themselves at work because they can't access a toilet.
The lack of sanitary facilities also left some transport workers to carry their used period products in their pockets or bags, while others are taking contraception to skip periods.
"No one should be forced to risk their health or dignity just to do their job," Holmes said. "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."
The union called on the government to establish a mandatory national standard for transport workers, which includes guaranteed access to clean toilet facilities. The national standard should also include:
- 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
Importance of workplace sanitation facilities
The RTBU's findings underscore the importance of investing in workplace sanitation facilities.
A research paper from the University of Gorakhpur released this month found that the lack of access to clean and safe sanitation facilities can lead to compromised health outcomes, diminished dignity, restricted economic opportunities, and reinforced gender inequalities for women.
"Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy approaches that move beyond minimal compliance with general hygiene standards to specifically centre women's needs in facility design, organisational practices, and workplace culture," the paper read.
"Such policies must be informed by women workers' voices, enforced through robust monitoring mechanisms, and accompanied by efforts to reduce stigma around menstruation and women's health needs."
According to the report, investing in improved facilities can lead to various benefits for organisations, including:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Enhanced productivity
- Better employee retention
- Expanded access to female talent
