Around a dozen workers and their families protested outside RAF Cranwell at the weekend over the Ministry of Defence’s alleged failure to provide decent toilets for workers.
A protest was held on World Toilet Day – Saturday, November 19 – where members of Unite the union wanted to make their feelings known about the issue. However, it is not unique to just the Lincolnshire airbase as other female civilian MoD workers have reported similar problems across the UK.
After the protest, Paula Stephens, Regional Officer at Unite for the East Midlands region, said: “We had a good turn out with members and their families showing solidarity in support.
“We are hopeful that this display will encourage the MoD to move quickly and put a resolution in place that will give our female firefighters and their male counterparts the dignity at work they have a right to expect.”
They held up a banner saying ‘Your Toilets Stink – Sort It Out’.
Unite said that for eight years firefighters at the base near Sleaford have been complaining about inadequate toilet and shower facilities, but claimed the MoD has failed to make any progress.
The problem is said to have first arisen when the first female civilian firefighters were recruited to the base in 2014. Unite said it became apparent the ageing facilities in place were not fit for purpose and were not adequate for unisex use.
Workers and their families held a protest outside RAF Cranwell over the Ministry of Defence’s alleged failure to provide decent toilets for workers.
The firefighters’ union, Unite, has secured the support of Capita, which is responsible for managing the outsourced firefighter’s contract. It has offered to produce a temporary separate facility attached to the firefighter centre at RAF Cranwell.
However, due to red tape put forward by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which is an arm of the Ministry of Defence, a workable solution has been blocked, according to Unite.
They are calling for ‘Toilet Dignity Now’.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson previously said: “Works are being progressed to upgrade facilities and we are working closely with our contractor to complete this as soon as possible.”
The project will provide gender neutral toilet and shower facilities. Following an increase in firefighter levels at RAF Cranwell, funding has been identified for a temporary solution in the meantime.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!