The trade union is backing members who refuse to drive if their workplace becomes too warm
Trade union Unite says it has taken action to support its bus drivers experiencing sweltering conditions at work during the recent warm weather. The union has issued all its bus driver members with an official letter to show to management when conditions become too hot in drivers’ cabs, informing the company that the driver is stopping work for safety reasons. The union says it has taken the action as the UK has already experienced three heatwaves this year. Overheating bus cabs have become an increasing problem for bus drivers as the UK’s weather becomes more extreme, the union warns, as many cabs are not air conditioned or have cooling systems that don’t work.
It says that drivers have reported temperatures exceeding 40 degrees centigrade in some cabs. General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus companies must stop passing the buck and take immediate action to ensure the safety of their drivers and passengers in extreme heat. For too long employers have played fast and loose with driver safety, putting profits before people.”
The letter informs management that the driver has ceased work or will not work under section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which allows workers to stop work to remove themselves from a position of ’serious and imminent danger.’ The union says that drivers have regularly warned employers that hot conditions mean that they risk becoming fatigued, drowsy and more likely to make errors, putting them, their passengers and other road users at risk. It adds that despite the problem existing for a long time, bus companies have been reluctant to take action as it can involve additional costs, and adds that drivers also report that even when air conditioning is fitted it is often faulty and doesn’t reduce the air temperature.
Unite national officer for passenger transport Wayne King said: “Drivers stopping work when they feel unsafe will inevitably cause serious disruption for passengers. But this is a direct result of the failure of employers to take action. They have had years to resolve this problem and have failed to act. We believe the steps we have taken on this serious health and safety problem creates a safer environment for all concerned; drivers, passenger and members of the public.”
