A survey by Unite, the UK's leading union representing workers in the civil air transport sector, has laid bare the problems with staff facilities at London Heathrow Airport.

Poor facilities cause ill health

A huge 82 per cent of those surveyed said there had been problems with workplace facilities during the last 12 months. Poor facilities had also led to ill health for almost a third (30 per cent) of workers at Heathrow.

Toilets in particular were a huge concern. Almost half, 43 per cent, said there were not enough toilets, while 61 per cent said toilets were not clean and well maintained. There are also problems with broken and dirty showers and mould in common areas.

Overcrowded break rooms

Well over half (59 per cent) of staff said there were not enough rest break facilities and 57 per cent said these were not clean and well maintained, leaving workers crowded together or unable to take proper breaks. The problem is that all staff facilities are overcrowded

Unite represents over 30,000 workers at Heathrow. It polled members who work as security, in catering, cleaning and ground and luggage handling at the London airport's four operational terminals and associated buildings.

Disgraceful conditions

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The situation with staff facilities at Heathrow is a disgrace. No worker should risk their health because their employer is forcing them to take rest breaks in dirty areas or denied breaks as areas are too crowded.

"HAL can more than afford to bring in meaningful, long overdue changes to facilities. It is high time HAL made this a priority and Unite will ensure this happens.”

Pest problems 

Pests were also a problem, with 16 per cent of respondents saying they had seen these at work - with mice, rats, cockroaches and bedbugs discovered at Heathrow by workers. They said Heathrow Airports Limited (HAL), who manages the airport and is responsible for staff facilities, had been slow to act, with 91 per cent of staff saying pest infestations were not quickly and successfully tackled by management.

In the survey, workers told Unite about their experiences with poor facilities at their workplace, including pests. One said they had witnessed a mouse drinking from a communal water fountain. Another said: "I have had mice droppings in my food plates bowl and coffee cup, in my toolbox and tools and on my overalls and boots. I am deeply concerned that it is only a matter of time before myself or a colleague will get seriously ill."

Worker concerns

Another worker said: "Our rest area is far too small for the amount of staff using it. It is also cluttered with coats and bags as there is minimal storage space. There is no ventilation and a heating vent that stays warm, even in hot days. Also minimal facilities, such as one microwave and one kettle for over 30 people."

Workers are now calling on HAL to:

• Undertake a full review of current cleaning standards and contracts across all areas, resulting in a more robust reporting and monitoring system to ensure consistent standards are maintained and any shortfalls are identified and addressed promptly

• Establish clear lines of accountability to be established for the maintenance and upkeep of all the facilities, including restrooms, toilets and showers and communal areas, so that responsibility for addressing issues is unambiguous especially between HAL and the operators

• Take immediate action to address the current conditions of rest facilities, including short, medium to long term programme of repairs, deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance

• Undertake a review of unused available space within the terminals, with a view to utilise it to support improved staff welfare facilities.

HAL must take action 

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: "For years, our members at Heathrow Airport have been calling for better facilities. The conditions they currently work under are nowhere near good enough and change is urgently needed.

"HAL must listen to our demands and work with Unite to implement improvements to worker conditions at Heathrow as a matter of priority."

Wealthy company 

Heathrow Airport Limited's financial results for the first half of this year reported a revenue of £1.7 billion. Yet, a quarter of staff said the problems with facilities had become worse over the past 12 months, while 35 per cent said there had been no attempt to fix the issues.

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