Flight attendants in Japan are demanding tougher penalties against passengers who take photos of them without their consent. According to a survey by the Japan Federation of Aviation Industry Unions, about 70% of the flight attendants reported having their pictures secretly taken. This is a significant increase from 2019, where 9% fewer flight attendants reported the same issue. The union called for stronger penalties against those who commit such acts, as many flight attendants have refrained from taking action due to fears of offending or drawing attention to their vulnerable position.
The online survey received responses from 1,573 flight attendants who belong to member unions. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said their pictures had been secretly taken, while 33% believed it had happened to them. The majority of cabin crew reported that full body and face pictures had been taken, while some said they had been “upskirted” or had their chest or behind photographed. Only 29% of the respondents said they had not been secretly photographed.
When asked how the issue was dealt with, 57% of respondents said they did nothing. Only a smaller percentage gave the offender a verbal warning or asked for the picture to be deleted. Flight attendants refrain from taking action because they are “afraid” to bring attention to their vulnerable position in relation to customers or “might offend the passenger.”
Very Serious Issue
Akira Naito, chairman of the union association, said during a news conference that it is a very serious issue, and tougher penalties will deter people from taking illicit photographs. The government is considering making upskirting and secretly taking pictures of genitals crimes punishable under the Penal Code.
In addition to being secretly photographed, over half of the respondents said they were subjected to allegedly dangerous conduct. In multiple choice questions, 66% answered that they faced “persistent complaints or reprimands” from passengers, while 54% had encountered people “deliberately” not wearing a mask despite antivirus rules.
Flight attendants’ safety and well-being are essential, and their privacy should be respected at all times. The aviation industry and the government should take the necessary steps to ensure that flight attendants are protected from such behavior, and stricter penalties should be imposed on those who commit such acts.
Also Happening in the Philippines
In the Philippines, flight attendants, airline staff, and airport personnel are empowered to report passengers who take their videos or photos without consent. This comes as airlines commit to addressing such acts that violate privacy laws in the Philippines. Unfortunately, there have been numerous cases of passengers taking unconsented videos of airline personnel and sharing them on social media to humiliate them, especially when they don’t get their demands met or when problems arise due to weather conditions leading to canceled flights.
It is crucial for airlines to be more vigilant against such unacceptable behavior towards their crew and staff. By taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents and strictly enforcing policies against them, airlines can help protect the privacy and dignity of their employees. These measures can also deter passengers from engaging in such behavior, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone on board.
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