OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 9,000 flight attendants, is denouncing changes to the prohibited items list (PIL) that would reduce the security and safety of passengers and flight attendants on planes.
The changes, announced today by Federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl, will make the PIL less restrictive, allowing passengers to bring scissors and other potentially dangerous items on-board.
CUPE points out that even a six centimetre blade can be used to hold passengers or crew members hostage, and can potentially be used to kill.
“There are also more effective alternative solutions without sacrificing current security standards, says CUPE National President Paul Moist in a January 28 letter to Federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl. It is not the time to be less vigilant about security.”
CUPE feels prudence is appropriate in this matter and is asking Minister Strahl and the Harper government to consult extensively with appropriate stakeholders and reconsider the decision.
For more information, please contact:
Pierre Ducasse, CUPE Media Relations
(613) 852-1494
pducasse@cupe.ca