Unite the Union is supporting coach and bus drivers who refuse to work due to extreme heat in their cab.
The union has supplied its members with a letter which explains to bus operators why they are not working in cases where absent or faulty air conditioning poses a “risk to health and safety”.
Unite says extreme weather is becoming more common in the UK and that drivers have reported temperatures in excess of 40C.
The letter cites Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 as giving drivers the right to stop work and remove themselves from what they perceive to be dangerous situations.
It notes no specific law regarding a maximum working temperature but adds: “Employers must abide by current health and safety law, which requires keeping the temperature at a comfortable level in workplaces including bus cabs.”
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham says: “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.”
Unite says overly hot conditions can lead to drivers becoming “fatigued, drowsy and more likely to make driving errors”.
Its National Officer for Passenger Transport, Wayne King, says: “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, passengers and members of the public.”
While no particular operator has been singled out for criticism with regards to the issue, National Express West Midlands has commented.
“We recognise how important it is to look after our drivers’ welfare and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable working environment, particularly during the recent hot weather,” says a spokesperson. “All of our buses have cab fans or air chill settings within the cab area and any defects reported by drivers are rectified overnight or as a matter of urgency during hot spells.
“In addition to the onboard equipment in the driver cab area, our management team has recently been out at key locations across our network to hand out bottles of water to help drivers stay hydrated while also providing advice to help them stay cool during their duties.”
