What happens in the washroom is a personal issue.
Many folks have different needs when it comes to the washroom, but it is likely that everybody has to use one during their workday. This needs to be something that everyone should have access to.
Over the past year, we have heard from our member and stories that tell us that we have many members who do not have the dignity of a usable washroom.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories.
We are now on the action stage of our campaign, and as outlined in this report, there are a number of things that we can do to Make S#!t better for our members in all areas of the union.
- OH&S committees are key allies, helping unions assess washroom conditions, highlight issues and push for improvements beyond legal minimums.
- Collective bargaining can secure specific contract language ensuring accessible, clean, well-maintained washrooms, gender- inclusive facilities, and reasonable usage without discipline
- Using respectful language like “washroom usage” emphasizes the biological necessity, helping shift workplace culture and policies.
- Human rights advocacy frames washroom access as a fundamental right, addressing discrimination based on disability, gender identity or expression through legal and public pressure.
Everyone deserves dignity and respect at work and that includes access to a safe, clean and inclusive washroom. This is not a luxury. It’s a basic need.
The stories we’ve gathered show the human impact when this need isn’t met and they also fuel the collective power to make change. Whether through health and safety committees, collective bargaining or human rights advocacy, we have the tools to fight for better washroom conditions across our union.
Let’s keep pushing forward. Together, we can Make S#!t Better for everyone.
If you have any concerns, input or questions or strategies, please send us an email at makeitbetter@usw.ca