Unite launches ‘Abuse Doesn’t Fly’ campaign to address abuse of Scottish airport workers

Unite has launched a safety campaign called ‘Abuse Doesn’t Fly’ after research found that airport workers in Scotland regularly faced abuse, aggression and assault. 

The union surveyed more than 300 staff at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, with over 90% saying they had experienced verbal abuse in the last year and over 75% reporting intimidation or aggression. 

In addition, 29% said they had faced physical assault. 

Around a third said they had considered leaving the industry, while 77% said regular abuse had affected their mental health and increased stress and anxiety at work. 

Workers included ground handlers, passenger service assistants, security and customer service agents.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at unite, said: “The results of Unite’s safety survey across Scotland’s major airports is shocking. 

“Airport workers regularly and repeatedly face staggering and unacceptable levels of abuse, aggression and assaults. 

“Unite will not stand by and allow our members to be treated in this way which is why we are demanding safety measures to be immediately adopted in airports.”