The IAM Union Air Transport Territory issued a strong call for action and accountability following a guilty plea in a violent assault against a United Airlines gate agent and IAM member at Washington Dulles International Airport.
On July 10, 2025, Christopher Stuart Crittenden pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from an attack in which he punched an IAM Union member/United Airlines customer service agent, knocking them unconscious, and attempted to assault another IAM member who barely avoided the assault.
Your IAM Union leadership responded swiftly with renewed calls for greater protections for our members in the airline industry.
“No airline worker should ever fear being physically attacked for doing their job,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This plea is a step toward justice but cannot stop here. Our members show up every day to keep travelers safe. We need Congress and federal agencies to show up for them by ensuring they are fully protected under the law.”
The IAM represents over 100,000 airline workers, including customer service agents, ramp workers, aircraft mechanics, fleet service workers, flight attendants, stock clerks, and more. This latest assault justifies the need for stronger deterrents and enforcement mechanisms, as physical and verbal assaults on airline workers have spiked in recent years.
“We are grateful that Mr. Crittenden has admitted guilt,” said IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “But this isn’t just about one individual. It’s about a system that has too often failed to protect frontline workers from harassment and violence. We demand change, not just for our member at United Airlines, but for every airline employee.”
Click here to read the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release on Crittenden’s guilty plea.
“This was a completely preventable act of violence,” said IAM Union Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “Too many of our members have been assaulted while trying to do their jobs with professionalism and care. They’re not asking for applause — just for the ability to work without being punched or screamed at.”
This assault has spotlighted the demands for legislative and regulatory action.
“District 141 stands behind our member and their family every step of the way,” said IAM Union District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm. “It’s not enough to just prosecute after the fact. We need action from the Department of Transportation and airline management to create safer workplaces for gate agents and all airport employees.”
The IAM continues to push for reforms that include:
- Mandatory federal penalties for assaults on all aviation workers;
- Increased staffing and security in high-risk airport areas;
- Expanded training for de-escalation and reporting;
- Zero-tolerance policies that are jointly enforced by airlines and federal agencies.
“We have been leading this fight on customer service assaults on Capitol Hill for years,” said IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “We’ve called on Congress and the Department of Justice to treat assaults on airline workers with the same urgency as assaults on flight crews or law enforcement. This person was banned from ever flying on United Airlines, but these types of incidents should get a person banned forever on all airlines.”
The IAM urges the public, elected officials, and airline companies to stand with frontline workers and ensure they receive the dignity and security they deserve.
The post IAM Union Air Transport Territory Demands Increased Protections After Guilty Plea in Violent Assault on IAM Union Member, United Airlines Worker at Washington Dulles International Airport appeared first on IAM Union.