The concept of being denied restroom access while at work may seem unfathomable to those outside the trucking industry. However, for truck drivers, it’s a harsh reality they often face.
Particularly since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, numerous truckers have voiced instances where they were refused restroom access while waiting at shipping or receiving facilities.
In response to this pressing issue, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, HR3869, seeks to stop this issue and provide professional drivers with access to the facilities they need and deserve.
Sponsored by Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, the bill advocates for a straightforward solution: requiring shipping and receiving facilities with accessible restrooms for employees and customers to extend the same privilege to truck drivers during the delivery or pickup process. Importantly, this legislation does not mandate the construction of new restroom facilities.
Recently, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act gained traction with its seventh co-sponsor, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., who pledged his support on May 17. Joining him in sponsoring this bipartisan initiative are representatives including Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Jefferson Van Drew, R-N.J., Brian Babin, R-Texas, Tracey Mann, R-Kan., Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., and Chris Pappas, D-N.H.
“Truckers are this nation’s backbone, and we owe them for the tireless contributions they continue to make to keep our country moving,” Nehls.
Notably, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) stands firmly behind this bill. Last year, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh testified about this issue during a House hearing.
“I never thought we’d be sitting here in the House of the Congress of the greatest nation in the world talking about giving people the right to use the restroom when they’re trying to do their job,” Pugh said. “But, unfortunately, I guess that’s the way we’ve gotten in society.”
OOIDA urges its members to reach out to their respective lawmakers and advocate for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act’s support. People who want to support this effort can take action by visiting FightingForTruckers.com.
Source: Land Line
