ITF advice for aircrews visiting Mexico

29 April 2009

Global union federation the ITF has given the following initial advice to airline personnel flying into Mexico.

The ITF is glad to endorse the recommendation of the World Health Organization, which advises: “No restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.” The WHO currently rates the infection at level four of its influenza pandemic scale – that is that it is not at pandemic level, and so far there is not sustained widespread transmission. (see www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html)

The ITF recommends following WHO advice, along with that of your national government, and says that its member aviation unions in Mexico have offered help to their colleagues from around the world who may be arriving in the country. Both the 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 today distributed those numbers to its civil aviation and tourism members.

The Assa yesterday won agreement from Mexicana, Aeromexico and Mexican regional airlines that flight personnel can use face masks and gloves during meal and drinks services and 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.”

He continued: “It is important to realise that little is yet known about this virus. It is vital that, while people take sensible precautions – which for cabin crew may include access to N95-standard masks and gloves, should they be required – they should avoid panic.”

“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 at http://ashsd.afacwa.org/docs/AFA bulletin on swine flu 28apr09.pdf

ENDS

For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk

International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org

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