Precarity and resource depletion in aviation: Job insecurity and workplace health and safety hazards

Abstract

This study investigates job insecurity, intensifying work demands and workplace mistreatment as psychosocial hazards contributing to burnout among UK cabin crew within aviation’s neoliberal employment regime. We used Conservation of Resources theory to examine the pathways to burnout. Path modelling of survey data from 972 cabin crew reveals job insecurity indirectly increases burnout via heightened demands and greater exposure to bullying and harassment. Managerial support buffers the insecurity–mistreatment relationship; peer support provides minimal protection. The results extend theory by linking resource loss processes to labour market institutions and emphasize the need for renewed union engagement in occupational health and safety.