The Federal Agency for Logistics and Mobility, short BALM, is currently conducting a survey on the ramp situation. One could say: again.
In this survey, they want to find out whether and to what extent we are allowed to use the toilets, showers, and break rooms of the companies where we deliver and / or pick up goods.
The purpose of this survey eludes me at the moment, because there is no obligation on the part of the customers or generally an obligation to grant access to toilets, showers, or even the break room to outsiders.
And whoever again comes up with the glorious idea that one must allow others to use one’s toilet, I have to disappoint them here. This obligation definitely does not exist! This has nothing to do with failure to assist, but rather with house rights. My house, my rules. I clarified this already a few years ago in a blog post.
But also in this post, the need to go to the bathroom will be a topic.
For me personally, this survey plays no role. Because I don’t have the problem that I could go to the toilet, under the shower, or into the break room at our customers’ premises.
I also know some central warehouses of different discounters where drivers are allowed to use the toilet or the break room. As for the shower, I don’t know, I never had the need to shower at Aldi, Lidl, and Co.
Purpose of the Whole Thing
I wrote above that I don’t understand the purpose of this survey. That is still the case. Not only because there is no obligation, but also because it has been clear for years what is wrong with the »ramp«. Nothing has changed because of that.
If I drive to Kaufland or Edeka, I still have to put the pallets properly into the lift for the high shelves. If the pallet doesn’t fit or is recognized as defective by the system, I am forced to either repack the goods or take the waste with me, should I refuse. I have always chosen the latter, since I am not their pack animal. Transport and loading, yes, repacking? Definitely not.
It was also mentioned in the four sessions of the Transport Committee that exactly these problems exist at the discounters. However, nothing has come out of it so far except a plea for better working conditions. At least something, after the four sessions where many different representatives from the industry were present. And yes, some drivers were also allowed to speak.
Shit Happened
Or rather, the aforementioned need to go to the bathroom.
As I already wrote, there is no obligation to let someone use my toilet in my house. As mentioned above, my house, my rules. This is also called house rights.
There is a moral aspect there, but it is not binding. At least in terms of whether one is an asshole or not.
The Survey
Those who still want to participate in this survey, I will link it here once again. I did not participate, for the aforementioned reasons.
