Hols chaos fear as staff strike over bully claims
‘Called names, sworn at and screamed at’ – Swissport workers allege catalogue of abuse
HOLIDAYMAKERS at scotland’s busiest airport are facing travel chaos this summer, as workers prepare to walk out amid allegations of “horrendous” bullying.
Staff claim intimidation by Swissport bosses is “rife” at Edinburgh Airport, which has just been named as the worst in Scotland for flight delays in a new study.
GMB union officials will ballot today for strike action after “persistent” complaints by workers. One, Samantha
Brownlie, was suspended in February after supporting five workers’ complaints.
The union rep, 30, who has worked at the airport for two years, fears she will be laid off. She claimed: “The bullying is horrendous and it’s made my life hell. I’ve broken down in tears over it. I was once told, “You’re f***ing useless, just do your job.”
The company came under fire last summer amid scores of complaints about lost or delayed luggage. And it has now been served with a “final notice” by the airport with bosses told to improve performance.
Several workers told the Record they had been denied breaks and some were refused annual leave to attend funerals.
Staff also claim they get “tickets” for going to the toilet, taking prescribed medication or even if public transport delays cause them to be late.
After racking up a number of tickets, workers can be slapped with disciplinary action, it is claimed.
Samantha added: “In February, after helping others to put in complaints, I was pulled aside and told I was being investigated. I got a letter after telling me I was suspended.
“I just want to get back to work. We just want to be treated with respect, like human beings.”
Margaret Murray, 48, claims she was sent home in February after supporting co-workers to lodge complaints about alleged bullying and harassment. She said: “I’ve been abused, called names, sworn at and screamed at, it’s constant.”
In a written response to Margaret in January from bosses, seen by the Record, she was told her grievance would be investigated. But she is still waiting to hear back.
GMB Scotland’s Robert Deavy said: “Instead of listening to their staff and addressing their persistent complaints of bullying behaviour Swissport decided to shoot the messenger.”
Swissport said: “We are saddened to hear these claims and will be investigating as a matter of urgency.”
Edinburgh Airport was contacted for comment.