Female drivers raped, groped and shown porn by predatory male colleagues, secret report from train union Aslef reveals

A SECRET report into sexual harassment at train drivers' union Aslef found a predatory 'boys club' culture within its ranks.

The findings, leaked to The Sun, come as the union causes twenty months of rail misery for millions of passengers.

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Shockingly, a quarter of female union members reported experiencing sexual harassment at work, at department meetings or at union gatherings.

At least four claimed they had been raped or sexually assaulted by male colleagues in the past five years.

Members were asked to report on personal experiences, rather than just provide details of the attacks investigated by the committee Police or continued in court.

Dozens reported being groped or sexually touched. Others described unwanted sexual jokes or gestures, and colleagues showing porn.

Only 16 percent who claimed they had experienced harassment reported it to everyone in the country Aslef.

And 60 percent didn't report because they thought nothing would be done.

The findings were relayed to the executive committee in October 2022 and not made public.

Union bosses have been grappling with the problem ever since.

Last night, Tory MP Greg Smithon the Transport Select Committee said: “This is a deeply disturbing series of revelations about Aslef that requires full investigation and the perpetrators to be brought to justice.”

On Wednesday, Aslef announced that drivers at five operators had voted for another six months strikes.

UK Hospitality blames travel chaos for £4.5 billion in lost revenue. The 28-page Aslef report was compiled by Deputy Secretary-General Simon Weller.

The union contacted 1,483 women and received 467 responses, of which 106 (a quarter) reported claims of sexual harassment.

In addition to the rape and sexual assault allegations, 12 female members reported highly sexualized, unwanted touching – meaning their breasts, buttocks or genitals were groped – at work or at a union event.

A further 26 said they had experienced unwanted touching of a sexual nature, with male colleagues placing a hand on their back or knee or attempting to kiss them.

UNWELCOME DEPOSITIONS

There have been many more reported cases of male colleagues making unwanted sexual jokes or comments, either in person, via text message or email.

They also emphasized staring, men showing porn or sexual drawings, making obscene gestures or making unwanted propositions.

Overall, 91 percent said the sexual harassment occurred at work; the rest said it was at a department meeting or a union meeting.

Four respondents did not report their claims because the aggressor had a powerful position within the union. No one went to the police.

The report also found that many female members felt they were not given the same respect as men.

Many told of unwanted jokes or 'banter', and of being viewed condescendingly or overly critically by male officials.

Most complaints arose from the Annual Meeting of Delegates and District Council events “most related to alcohol after meetings,” it was noted.

The report indicated that the findings would be presented at Aslef next one Annual Meeting of Delegates – held privately in May 2023.

INNOVATIVE FINDINGS

It said the investigation produced “candid and challenging results” that indicated a “lack of belief or trust” in the union's handling of harassment cases.

Recommendations include a “concerted effort to change the culture and communication about expected standards of behavior.”

A copy was distributed to all district organizers and members of the Women's Representation Committee.

The TUC referred to the report on its website. It said: “Aslef has formed a dedicated working group on sexual harassment, which is looking at the issue from the perspective of its members and staff.

“The group has developed a statement of mutual respect and a sexual harassment procedure.”

This month we told how married district organizer Dicky Fisher had been racking up £3,000 a month on his Aslef credit card while having an affair with a female civil servant.

There is no suggestion that any of the allegations in the report involve Mr Fisher.

Aslef was contacted for comment on the report.