Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, which represents over
80,000 thousand bus drivers in the UK, is calling on all bus
operators to introduce compulsory temperature checks to further
protect workers against COVID-19.
Unite is looking for the measures to be initially introduced in
London, where 27 bus workers have succumbed to COVID-19, with the
temperature checks then rolled out across all bus operators in
the UK.
Under Unite’s proposals all bus workers would have their
temperature checked as they arrive for work using a laser
thermometer. Workers who register a high temperature would then
be provided with immediate assistance to access a COVID-19 test,
which they are entitled to receive as key workers.
The worker with the high temperature would be sent home without
loss of pay. Test results are usually known with 72 hours during
which time, Unite argues, the worker should be paid with no loss
of earnings. If the worker tests negative they quickly return to
work. If they test positive they then receive industry sick pay
until they are able to return to work.
Unite has been in daily contact with both Transport for London
(TfL) and individual bus operators in the capital seeking to get
the scheme introduced. An initial trial at one London garage
operated by Tower Transit has had positive feedback from the
workforce
When it has been successfully introduced in London the scheme
should then be quickly rolled out across the UK.
Unite has been at the forefront of ensuring that a series of
safety measures have been introduced on buses in London and
throughout the rest of the UK to help reduce the exposure of bus
workers to COVID-19 which includes the closing of the front doors
of buses in London.
Unite London regional secretary Pete Kavanagh said: “It is
essential that all reasonable measures are taken to prevent the
spread of COVID-19 to protect bus workers.
“By checking temperatures and ensuring drivers are then tested,
not only will we be able to reduce the risk of infection but we
can also ensure that workers can quickly return to work if the
test is negative.
“Once it is identified that a driver has a high temperature the
company has a duty of care. The driver is instructed to go home
and get tested and further contamination is avoided.
“One person who does not realise they have symptoms could
unwittingly infect many of their colleagues.
“If it protects just a handful of workers from an infection that
has killed far too many bus workers in London then it is well
worth doing.”
Unite national officer for passenger transport Bobby Morton said;
“This is a really important initiative which should make bus
workers safer.
“Unite believes that it is appropriate that London initially
tests these measures and then such a scheme is rolled out across
the UK’s bus networks.
“Unite is committed to ensuring the safety of bus workers
throughout the UK and will support all practical measures to
achieve that.”
