Som Sindicalistes Balears condemns the assault on a handling worker and demands protective measures

Zero tolerance for violence against workers in the aviation sector

Som Sindicalistes Balears expresses its strongest condemnation and absolute rejection of the assault suffered by a worker from a handling company at Palma de Son Sant Joan Airport. This attack is not an isolated incident: it is the direct consequence of a labour model that exposes workers to constant vulnerability and allows passenger frustration to fall on those on the front line.

We extend our full solidarity and support to the assaulted colleague, wishing him a swift recovery. Although Som Sindicalistes Balears does not have representation in the affected company, we do have it in other companies in the sector, and we understand that these aggressions concern all of us. Today it happened to this worker; tomorrow it could happen to anyone performing their duties at the airport.

Workers in handling, check‑in, boarding and passenger services face daily tension caused by increasingly restrictive commercial policies, especially regarding baggage and additional services. These rules, designed in corporate offices, create conflicts that must be managed by those at the counter—those who “face the public” and who, unfortunately, suffer the consequences when a passenger loses control.

This reality also affects cabin crew, who frequently endure disrespect, pressure and verbal abuse from passengers who try to impose their demands over safety regulations and commercial policies they accepted when purchasing their ticket. The same happens to PRM assistance staff (Passengers with Reduced Mobility), who too often face impatience and disrespect, even from the very people they are helping. All these groups share the same reality: they work on the front line, exposed to unfair situations that put their physical and emotional well‑being at risk.

Violence—whether physical or verbal—is never justifiable. No disagreement over a fee, rule or procedure legitimises attacking a worker. We also denounce the media treatment that often accompanies these incidents, where headlines tend to justify or soften the aggression with phrases such as “a passenger assaults an agent because they wanted to charge for hand luggage”. This framing is deeply unfair and shifts blame onto those who are simply doing their job.

We call on AENA (the Spanish airport authority) and operating companies to adopt effective prevention and protection measures, reinforcing security in check‑in, boarding and assistance areas, and ensuring that workers are not exposed to dangerous situations. Violence against airport and aviation personnel cannot be normalised or minimised: it is a real occupational risk that must be urgently addressed.

Som Sindicalistes Balears will continue defending the safety, dignity and rights of all workers in the aviation and airport sector: from handling to cabin crew, PRM staff and every group that keeps our airports running every day.