A study reveals rampant cases of sexual misconduct towards female aviation workers.
The aviation sector in the United Kingdom is grappling with a pervasive issue of sexual harassment, according to a survey conducted by trade union Unite. The survey, which polled its 30,000 women members in air transport, revealed that over two-thirds (67%) of women have experienced unwanted flirting, gestures, or sexual comments.
In response, Unite has launched its Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign, aiming to implement bespoke policies and mandatory training on the issue. The campaign includes several specific demands to address the problem.
Firstly, Unite is calling for each employer to establish a clear and comprehensive policy specifically addressing sexual harassment. This policy would ensure a zero-tolerance culture within the workplace.
Secondly, the union demands that all employees undergo mandatory training on recognising and addressing sexual harassment. Union equality representatives would also be recognised, with paid time off to support these efforts.
Thirdly, Unite seeks to extend the deadline for filing claims in employment tribunals from three months to at least six months after an incident. This extension would give victims more time to come forward.
Furthermore, the campaign advocates for the government to provide additional legal protections. This includes treating third-party harassment and sexual harassment as workplace injuries under the Health and Safety Executive's guidelines.
The survey results suggest a widespread issue with the workplace culture in aviation, with 82% of women not feeling adequately protected from sexual harassment. Nearly half (47%) of the sexually assaulted women have been assaulted twice, and over a third (34%) described it as happening more than once.
Balvinder Bir, Unite's national officer for civil air transport, accused employers of failing women workers and promised to fight for their protection and safety from harassment. The survey results show that only 18% of women in the aviation sector believe their employer takes adequate steps to address sexual harassment.
The Worker Protection Act 2023, enshrined in UK law, enshrines the duty to protect employees from work-related sexual harassment. The Act aims to provide a legal framework for addressing this issue and ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all.
The survey asked women about sexual harassment incidents inside or outside scheduled hours. Pornographic images have been shown or shared with 40% of women in the aviation sector by a manager, colleague, passenger, or other third party. Almost as many (65%) of the women in the aviation sector have been told sexually offensive "jokes".
The survey results show a damning picture of the broader workplace culture in aviation. Unite's Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign is a significant step towards creating a safer, more respectful environment for women working in the sector.
- Despite efforts in various industries, issues of sexual harassment persist, as shown in the aviation sector.
- The Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign by Unite aims to reshape the culture of the aviation industry.
- Unite proposes mandating training for all employees to aid in recognizing and addressing sexual harassment.
- Clear, comprehensive policies against sexual harassment are a key demand of Unite's campaign.
- Adequate legal protections are considered necessary for a safe work environment by the Zero Tolerance campaign.
- The extension of the deadline for filing claims in employment tribunals is a demand of the Zero Tolerance campaign.
- Balvinder Bir, Unite's national officer, accuses employers of neglecting women workers' safety.
- The Worker Protection Act enshrines a legal duty to protect employees from work-related sexual harassment.
- A substantial number (82%) of women in aviation do not feel adequately protected from sexual harassment.
- Nearly half of the sexually assaulted women have experienced multiple incidents.
- Pornographic images have been shared with 40% of women in aviation by various parties.
- Over a third of women in the aviation sector have experienced sexual harassment more than once.
- Only 18% of women in the aviation sector believe their employers effectively address sexual harassment.
- Comprehensive policies should be established in finance, aerospace, and other sectors to tackle sexual harassment.
- Mandating training for employees in finance, entrepreneurship, and interior-design is crucial for combating sexual harassment.
- In the realm of diversity and inclusion, dismantling subtle prejudices is as essential as battling overt sexual harassment.
- The handling of cybersecurity, lifestyle, outdoor-living, fashion-and-beauty, and food-and-drink industries should also recognize and address such issues.
- Zero Tolerance campaigns and policies should be implemented in industries like dining, family-dynamics, and small-business.
- The housing market and personal-finance sectors should focus on providing educational resources on debt-management and budgeting.
- Wealth-management and home-and-garden experts should prioritize creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.
- Home-improvement companies could incorporate gender sensitivity and diversity training into their offerings.
- Baking schools and beverages companies could emphasize respectful conduct in their training programs.
- In the love-and-dating, careers, and housing-market industries, individuals must learn the importance of respect for mutual success.
- Promoting cybersecurity, data-and-cloud-computing, and technology companies that focus on safe, inclusive environments is imperative.
- The adoption of sustainable-living practices should extend to ensuring safe, comfortable spaces for everyone involved.
- Encouraging healthy-cooking and relationships that prioritize open communication and respect can help combat sexual harassment.
- By addressing the issue in travel, cars, shopping, car-maintenance, social-media, and entertainment industries, we can collectively generate a safer work environment for all.
