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ITF backs swine flu protection for flight crews
30 April 2009
ITF aviation unions in Mexico have offered help to their colleagues from around the world who may be arriving in the country. Both Aspa (Mexican Pilots’ Union) and Assa (Mexican Cabin Crew Union) are making themselves available to assist, and have set up phone lines for this purpose. The ITF has thanked them and distributed those numbers to its civil aviation and tourism members, alongside preliminary advice for flight crews.
The Federation recommends that airline personnel who may be affected by the virus should follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines, which are being constantly updated in line with the evolving situation. These can be seen at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
The ITF states that airline personnel transiting affected areas should have the right to use sensible protection such as gloves and masks, especially if going to the aid of potentially ill passengers. It applauded Assa’s achievement in getting agreement from Mexicana, Aeromexico and Mexican regional airlines that flight personnel can use face masks and gloves during any part of the flight that could represent a risk.
ITF Civil Aviation Secretary Gabriel Mocho commented: “There has been a deeply saddening loss of life in Mexico, and we wish the best for all people there. We hope that the efforts to alleviate the disease’s effects will speedily ease the suffering.”
“We will do our best to keep our affiliates up-to-date in the developments of this disease to help to ensure that workers are accurately informed and thus protected.”
The Association of Flight Attendants of the USA (AFA-CWA) has released its own guidance for members, which can be seen here.
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