Air France Unveils Measures to Combat Sexual Violence and Harassment
Paris, February 19, 2023 – In the wake of an investigative report by Radio France unveiling a "culture of impunity" for sexual violence and harassment within Air France, the airline’s CEO, Anne Rigail, has announced a comprehensive plan to address these issues.
CEO’s Statement
"I share the emotion aroused by the testimonies relayed by the press," Rigail stated. "We are fully mobilized in the fight against all types of harassment and sexist behavior, which are unacceptable."
Rigail emphasized the company’s existing prevention and support mechanisms, but acknowledged the need for further strengthening. "This system will be enhanced, with a focus on raising awareness and accelerating training for all our staff," she said.
Enhanced Measures
The new measures announced by Rigail include:
- Independent Reporting Cell: A 24/7 hotline accessible to all employees for confidential reporting of incidents.
- Dedicated Anti-Discrimination Unit: A service directly reporting to the HR Director, responsible for combating discrimination and harassment.
- Swift Implementation: The action plan will be rolled out rapidly in consultation with employee representatives.
- External Audits: Independent audits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the system and identify areas for improvement.
- Industry Collaboration: Air France will consult with other airlines to explore best practices in addressing sexual violence and harassment.
Minister’s Response
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot welcomed the commitments from Air France, emphasizing the importance of empowering employees to speak out. "The idea is to encourage them to speak freely," he said.
Tabarot confirmed that the company would prioritize external resources, independent of the company’s hierarchy, to facilitate reporting and investigations.
Radio France Investigation
The Radio France investigation, published on February 17, documented numerous accounts of sexual assault, harassment, and sexist behavior within Air France. Multiple women, including flight attendants and female pilots, alleged a culture of impunity for perpetrators.
Government Oversight
As a partially state-owned company, Air France is subject to government oversight. Minister Tabarot assured that he would closely monitor the implementation of the new measures.
Conclusion
The measures announced by Air France and the government’s commitment to oversight represent a significant step towards addressing the issue of sexual violence and harassment within the airline industry. By prioritizing employee safety, establishing independent reporting mechanisms, and conducting external audits, Air France aims to foster a work environment where all employees feel safe and respected.
