Dozens of aviation workers will descend on Parliament today [Wednesday] after shock poll shows almost 90 per cent of them have suffered abuse at work.
The aviation workers who will be available for interview will meet MPs and peers to discuss the violence, which sees workers headbutted, punched, spat at and subjected to racist and sexist abuse.
When: 26 March 2025 at 1.30pm
Where: Statue of George V, opposite Old Palace Yard, SW1P 3JY
One worker described his airport as ‘almost a warzone’.
The survey, completed by hundreds of aviation workers, also showed:
- 88 per cent affected by abuse at work
- More than 72 per cent felt unsafe going into work due to abuse or aggressive behaviour from passengers
- 61 per cent considered changing job due to abuse faced at work
- Just 12 per cent say their mental and emotional well-being are not affected at all by abuse.
The Parliamentary reception coincides with the launch of GMB’s Airport Workers Against Abuse campaign, which calls for action to stamp out abuse in the aviation sector.
Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer, said:
“Since the covid pandemic, the levels of abuse suffered by our hard-working airport staff has surged.
“No one should go into work worrying that they will be spat at, or headbutted, or punched or kicked.
“These workers have come to Parliament today to demand action to stamp out the rampant abuse in our airports.”
