Union releases photos of foreign object debris on runway

Photos available for viewing

Ottawa - "The actions of the Edmonton International Airport Authority in trying to conduct ‘business as usual’ are cause for serious concern", says John Gordon, National vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). "The longer the Airport Authority refuses to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, the more hazardous the situation becomes. If, during a legal strike, qualified maintenance and service workers are not patrolling and clearing debris from runways, ensuring runway lights are visible and operational, and performing safety checks for fire and emergency equipment, then public safety is at risk?"

Today the Public Service Alliance of Canada released information about several incidents during the last few weeks which have compromised public safety at the Airport, as well as photos of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on the runway surface. It is believed that debris on the runway brought down the Concorde outside of Paris, France on July 25^th.

Members of the PSAC-Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) are on their 18^th day on the picket line.

"Our workers feel obliged to report this information to the public. These are serious issues and should not be downplayed. FOD is one of the major causes of aircraft engine damage," emphasizes Mike Wing, National President of the UCTE, "and is usually found in the form of broken asphalt, empty containers and other litter - anything that can be sucked into an airplane engine."

Wing notes that airline staff working out of Edmonton have expressed their concerns to picketers, as well.

Among concerns cited by the PSAC are:

• Several incidents of foreign object debris on the runway. In one case, an Airline reported FOD on the Apron. It took more than 45 minutes to get the Apron cleaned-up and the work was done by janitorial staff who work inside the terminal. In another case, a pilot refused to takeoff on one of the runways until a rubber sealant that was on the runway was removed. In another case, an aircraft almost hit a coyote.

• Airports management has limited the duties of airport firefighters to the firehall. Locked gates and barriers are impeding access of firefighters in the event of an emergency.

• Lack of inspections of fire pumps and hydrants and other emergency equipment

• Emergency Rescue Service vehicles left in a state of disrepair.

• Grass is growing and beginning to obstruct airfield lighting.

-30-

For information:

Lois Ross, PSAC Communications Coordinator - (613) 560-4280

Mike Wing, National President UCTE (613) 238-4003. ext #31

Paulette Jensen, President, Local 30315 cell - (780) 905-7439

47-150800