London Mayor Fails to Respond

The newly elected Mayor of London has yet to commit to requiring bus companies to provide proper toilet facilities for their drivers. Many routes remain without a single restroom stop, and the Workers of England Union insists that this situation is both unacceptable and easily remedied.

Online Government Petition Launched

The Workers of England Union has launched an online Government petition demanding that the London Mayor Fails to Respond for assurances that every bus route in the capital will feature adequate toilet facilities. Without these essential amenities, drivers—especially women—are left in desperate situations.

Current Conditions Are Dickensian

Despite London’s status as the capital of the world’s fifth-largest economy, bus drivers still face conditions reminiscent of the 19th century. Key central locations such as Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Aldwych and Holborn (Red Lion Square) all lack public restrooms accessible from bus routes.

Correspondence with the Mayor’s Office

On 9 August 2016, the Workers of England Union wrote to Sadiq Khan requesting a formal response. The union followed up with phone calls on 12 and 18 August, and was assured of a reply by 7 September. To date, no substantive answer has been received.

Below is the final email sent on the promised response date:

To: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2016 19:53

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is of real concern that the Mayor of London has not responded to our letter dated 9 August 2016. In your email of 23 August 2016 you stated a reply would be provided by 7 September 2016. It is now close of business on 7 September and we have heard nothing.

This issue concerns the lack of toilet facilities for bus drivers on routes that traverse London. If a driver cannot access a restroom, they may be forced to relieve themselves in public areas, which is both undignified and unhygienic. Does the Mayor of London approve of drivers defecating or urinating on the streets?

We request, for the last time, an unequivocal response by close of day on 8 September 2016. Failing that, we will assume the Mayor consents to public urination and defecation by bus drivers and will inform the media accordingly.

Regards,
Eddie Bone
President, Workers of England Union

What Happens Next?

If the Mayor of London continues to ignore this petition, the Workers of England Union will escalate the matter to local and national media outlets. It is time for London — the fifth-largest economy in the world — to treat its bus drivers with the basic dignity they deserve.

See also our related article: Adequate Toilet Facilities for Bus Drivers