Taxi drivers can access Ottawa convention centre washrooms after Unifor lobbying efforts

October 23, 2024

Ottawa taxi drivers can once again get a break - and a flush.

Unifor recently met with the Shaw Centre (newly-renamed Rogers Centre Ottawa) following up on a letter sent by Unifor urging the convention centre to allow taxi drivers to use its washroom facilities.

The issue stemmed after a taxi driver who was a delegate at Unifor's Ontario Regional Council in Ottawa last December was denied access to use the Shaw Centre's washrooms by security. Because of Unifor's lobbying efforts, the centre has now made clear commitments to provide clean and safe toilet facilities to taxi drivers in the city of Ottawa.

"We are thrilled about this because the centre was not a Unifor employer - but they accepted to meet with our union following the letter sent to them and agreed to make a change to their practice that is in line with our demands on access to bathrooms for road transportation workers," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.

During the meeting with the centre, the union expressed there have been a few instances where security measures have previously prevented taxi drivers from accessing washrooms, leading to frustration.

The centre said there is a commitment going forward to improve community access with security guards ensuring washroom access to when the building is open and there aren't specific security restrictions. Both the union and the centre agreed to bring up concerns to each other and resolve issues as they arise.

Taxi drivers, couriers, armoured car drivers and other road transportation employees in Ottawa can find a list of public washrooms here.

"Access to rest areas with safe, secure, clean hygienic bathrooms, with access to free menstrual products, is a fundamental right in 2024," said Unifor Road Transportation Director Scott Bateman.

"This is a dignity issue and a human rights issue that must be addressed. We appreciate the efforts of the former Shaw Centre, and we're pleased we were able to resolve this issue. This is an example of the union's efforts to proactively find a solution."

The access to washrooms at the Rogers Centre Ottawa is timely, given that World Toilet Day takes place on November 19, where year-after-year, Unifor stands in solidarity with the global movement to address the critical issue of sanitation, emphasizing the importance of safe and inclusive washroom facilities for all.

"I was really impressed by the respect and response of the centre towards Unifor members," said taxi driver Amrik Dhami, President of Unifor Local 1688.

"This shows the power and achievement of belonging to Unifor and being united with 900 unionized taxi drivers. This is my message to all non-unionized drivers in other cities - there is power in numbers, and it can promote change."