“Forcing our transit workers to negotiate when and if they can use the restroom endangers both the health of the driver and the safety of their passengers.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation guaranteeing that mass transit workers are allowed to take bathroom breaks while on duty passed the Senate Transportation Committee today.

Senate Bill 2210 would guarantee up to ten minutes of restroom breaks for every four hours worked by a transit worker. The legislation would also guarantee the workers are not docked any pay for taking the break.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) introduced the legislation after discussing it with transit workers affiliated with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 416.

Peoria’s CityLink, the operator of the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, attempted to use bathroom breaks as leverage against the members of ATU Local 416 during their last collective bargaining agreement negotiations, and Koehler said this new measure would prevent bathroom breaks from being held hostage for worker concessions.

“Being able to use take a bathroom break is about two things: public safety and dignity,” Koehler said. “Forcing our transit workers to negotiate when and if they can use the restroom endangers both the health of the driver and the safety of their passengers.”

The measure now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.