Alice Jordan-Baird (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak in solidarity with female rail, tram and bus workers all over the country. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union's recent report shows us the uncomfortable truth. Women's health is suffering because of a lack of access to workplace toilet and sanitary facilities.

The report shows that, horrifyingly, 73 per cent of female transport workers have suffered health issues because they were not able to access toilets or sanitary bins. Women are forced to carry their used period products all day because there's nowhere to dispose of them. Women are being told by their managers that not having access to adequate facilities is just part of working in the industry. This is unacceptable, and it should concern all workers.

This isn't just a matter of comfort; it's a matter of safety. When women are forced to use inappropriate facilities, they are put in unsafe situations. This should never be acceptable as an adequate working environment. The RTBU national office is calling for a mandatory national standard for all transport workers, to guarantee them access to safe, clean and private toilets. I'd like to thank the RTBU for bringing such an important topic to light.

I'd also like to give a shout-out to the mighty Transport Workers' Union, who also represent transport workers across the country. I was proud to stand in solidarity with the TWU and the SDA at their recent protest at Amazon in Ravenhall. These workers are fighting for better pay and conditions, and it's time for Amazon to pay up. (Time expired)

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