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Unions asks passengers to pack less
30 Nov 2009
Air passengers have been requested to ensure their baggage is light and easy to handle by unions.
The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have said that hundreds of baggage staff suffer injuries each year due to heavy luggage.
According to the unions, baggage handlers are more likely to undergo musculoskeletal trauma compared to other workers because luggage by air is not included in health and safety weight limits set by other sectors.
The unions are now calling for a maximum weight limit of 23kg per piece of baggage, to be rolled out immediately.
In addition, they are asking for a phased reduction in weight limits, reaching 15kg in the coming years.
Enrique Carmona, president of the Ground Staff Committee at the ETF, said: 'Every day hugely heavy loads that would be rejected in just about any other workplace are being handled by check-in staff and baggage handlers.
'The result is too often injuries that can last a lifetime. That's why we are asking travellers to think of the people who help them on their way.'
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have said that hundreds of baggage staff suffer injuries each year due to heavy luggage.
According to the unions, baggage handlers are more likely to undergo musculoskeletal trauma compared to other workers because luggage by air is not included in health and safety weight limits set by other sectors.
The unions are now calling for a maximum weight limit of 23kg per piece of baggage, to be rolled out immediately.
In addition, they are asking for a phased reduction in weight limits, reaching 15kg in the coming years.
Enrique Carmona, president of the Ground Staff Committee at the ETF, said: 'Every day hugely heavy loads that would be rejected in just about any other workplace are being handled by check-in staff and baggage handlers.
'The result is too often injuries that can last a lifetime. That's why we are asking travellers to think of the people who help them on their way.'
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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