Aurigny to investigate alleged defamatory comments made by staff against wheelchair passengers

Pic of Aurigny plane imposed on an IOD meeting
A separate Aurigny staff member was allegedly heard saying "leave them and let them burn" when asked how to help disabled customers in the case of a fire. Credit: ITV Channel

Guernsey's airline Aurigny has launched an investigation after a staff member allegedly referred to wheelchair customers as "lame and lazy".

The comments came to light from an anonymous whistleblower who alleges they were made on Wednesday 4 September during a staff meeting.

During a discussion about wheelchair passengers, a member of staff allegedly referred to them as "lame and lazy", adding that half of said passengers did not need them.

At the same online meeting, another employee was allegedly heard saying "Leave them and let them burn" when asked how to help disabled customers in the case of a fire.

The whistleblower explains: "This is absolutely disgusting, and I was shocked to my core at what I was hearing from both of them. I trust a thorough investigation will be carried out."

An Aurigny spokesperson says it is considering the allegations and what action, if any, is appropriate.

Dr Rob Harnish, Managing Director at Guernsey-based disability charity Ron Short Centre (UnLtd), hopes any investigation is "handled sensitively".

While he wouldn't comment on specific allegations, he explains: "What we want is for people who may have made comments like this to actually understand better what they've said.

"So many of us are upset. The idea is always to decrease the amount of ignorance in society and to create a greater cohesive community."

An Aurigny spokesperson states: “We have received an anonymous email making certain allegations. We have asked the sender for further information but have had no response.

"Notwithstanding this, we have already initiated an internal investigative process in accordance with our internal policies. This will consider the allegations and consider what action, if any, is appropriate."

They add that there will be no further comment while the investigation is underway.

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