Uber drivers paying to use filthy Birmingham Airport toilets, claims GMB union
- Perry Richardson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Private hire drivers operating at Birmingham Airport are being forced to pay to use unhygienic bathroom facilities while waiting for jobs, according to the GMB Union.
The union, which represents thousands of private hire drivers in the West Midlands, has called on the airport to urgently improve conditions following complaints from drivers working through ride-hailing platforms including Uber.
The intervention follows a recent survey highlighting a series of operational and welfare concerns for drivers waiting to pick up passengers at the airport. Among the key findings were reports of bathroom facilities described as “caked in grime and waste”, alongside a lack of any designated waiting areas.
Drivers are instead required to use a paid multi-storey car park operated by NCP, with costs incurred on an hourly basis. The survey found that drivers can wait several hours between jobs, significantly increasing their operating costs while on airport duty.
GMB union raises concerns over driver welfare and costs at Birmingham Airport
The union also raised concerns over the airport’s automatic payment system, which it says has issued fines of up to £500 due to failures in the system. This has added further financial pressure on drivers already facing extended unpaid waiting times.
In addition to financial and hygiene issues, the survey highlighted a lack of basic welfare provisions. Drivers observing Ramadan reported having to pray on the floor of the car park due to the absence of suitable facilities.
Kate Gorton, GMB Organiser, said: “Private hire taxis’ are an essential component of any modern airport.
“That is why it is an absolute disgrace that the men and women driving them are being asked to endure such dire conditions at Birmingham airport.
“This is one of the UK’s busiest airports who seem totally unable to provide even the most basic waiting areas or facilities for the drivers to keep the airport moving.
“The facilities for our members are so basic that this Ramadan we have had complaints from drivers that they have had to observe their prayers on the cold, wet and dirty floor of a car park.
“If so many UK airports can offer drivers basic facilities and waiting areas, why are our members in Birmingham being asked to use filthy bathrooms and pay for the privilege?”
