New data from the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) shows alarming levels of violence and harassment against women in the transport sector. The topic is also the focus of a study on working conditions and health of transport workers in Bulgaria, conducted by the Federation of Transport Trade Unions, the results of which are to be presented soon.

“Violence is not part of the job!” – with this clear message, the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) presents the results of its second European study on violence and harassment against women working in transport.

The data paints an alarming picture. According to the information materials provided by the ETF, 71.1% of the surveyed women report having experienced violence or harassment at their current workplace. The reported rates are particularly high in rail transport – 82.5%, civil aviation – 80.3%, and urban transport – 73.2%.

The results confirm that violence and harassment are not isolated incidents but a serious risk for transport workers, especially those in positions with constant contact with passengers.

Aggression from passengers is among the main risks - More than half of the reported incidents – 52.7% – were committed by clients or transport service users. Verbal aggression and harassment are the most widespread – 75.4%, but cases of physical and sexual violence are also registered. Colleagues and managers are also cited as perpetrators, especially in sexualized forms of harassment and abuse of power.

The problem cannot be viewed separately from the overall organization of work. Among the factors with which respondents associate the deterioration of safety are increasing aggression from clients, staff shortages, poor work organization, and an overall deterioration of working conditions.

This is particularly important for the transport sector, where a large part of the workforce is in daily direct contact with passengers, clients, and other participants in the transport process.

The consequences also affect the health of workers - Violence and harassment at the workplace do not end with the incident itself. The data shows an impact on the physical and mental state of those affected.

Over half of the respondents report a negative impact on their health and well-being. Among the reported consequences are anxiety, fear and a sense of insecurity, stress and psychosocial tension, as well as long-term psychological consequences from prolonged exposure to such situations.

Another result is particularly alarming – 65.1% of respondents have considered leaving the transport sector to some extent. Among the reasons highlighted are exposure to violence and harassment without sufficient protection, high psychosocial risks, lack of trust in reporting mechanisms, and work-life balance issues.

The topic is also part of the FTTU study on working conditions and health - These European results are particularly important for the Federation of Transport Trade Unions, which conducted a large-scale survey and is preparing an analysis of working conditions and related morbidity among workers in the "Transport" sector in Bulgaria.

The study by the FTTU examines various aspects of the working environment and the health of transport workers, including psychosocial risks and issues related to aggression and harassment at the workplace.

For us, it is important that these factors are not viewed in isolation. Aggression, violence, and harassment must be analyzed in connection with the organization of work, intensity of work, staff shortages, working hours and rest periods, stress, and the health status of workers.

The FTTU is about to present the results of its own study, which will give a more specific picture of the working conditions, health status, and main risks faced by workers in the various transport sub-sectors in Bulgaria. Among them, data related to violence, aggression, and harassment at the workplace will be presented and analyzed.

The results will serve as a basis for formulating specific proposals and measures for prevention, protection of workers, and improvement of working conditions, which the FTTU will present to employers, institutions, and social partners.

Prevention, protection, and effective response mechanisms are needed!

The ETF's conclusion is definitive – violence and harassment must not be normalized or accepted as an inevitable part of transport professions.

Among the recommendations to employers are to include violence and harassment in the prevention systems for occupational health and safety risks, to improve security measures, to ensure sufficient staff in high-risk positions, and to establish effective and reliable mechanisms for reporting and supporting victims.

Trade unions also have a special role. The ETF recommends that collective bargaining include specific mechanisms for prevention, reporting, and handling of complaints, investigation procedures, issues related to staffing levels, paid leave for victims, and prevention of psychosocial risks.

This is also a direction where trade union organizations can make a real contribution – through collective bargaining, health and safety committees and groups, social dialogue, and insisting on concrete preventive measures at the workplace.

For the FTTU, protecting the life, health, and dignity of workers is an integral part of the right to safe and decent working conditions. Aggression, threats, and harassment – whether they come from passengers, clients, colleagues, or managers – cannot and must not be accepted as "part of the job."

VIOLENCE IS NOT PART OF THE JOB!

Every worker has the right to a working environment where their health, safety, and dignity are protected.

*Source: European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF), Survey on Violence and Harassment Against Women Transport Workers, 2026