Fireman unhappy at baggage duties
28.04.09
Firefighters have accused bosses at Prestwick Airport of risking passenger safety by making them work as baggage handlers, the Daily Record reports. The crews are being asked to load luggage by hand and drive baggage carts.
One firefighter told the newspaper: ‘Guys who are shattered from lifting bags would not be in the best state to deal with an emergency. We are also worried about hearing an emergency call above the planes.’
‘We were told that it is about meeting the needs of the business.We have been told not to wear our uniforms and instead we have to wear high-visibility vests. We think that the bosses don't want people knowing what we are doing. But our real worry is what would happen in the event of an emergency.’
Prestwick airport has suffered a slump in passenger numbers and axed 120 jobs this year. A spokesman for the airport confirmed to the newspaper that fire crews were being asked to load luggage, but insisted there is no safety risk. He said: ‘Members of the fire service are permitted to assist with other duties. There are strict regulations that must be met with regard to response times and we are fully compliant with these CAA regulations.’
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