The Canadian Union of Public Employees, along with CUPE locals 4021, 4040 and First Air Component representing flight attendants of First Air will cooperate in order to ensure that all recommendations contained in the Transportation Safety Board final report on the First Air flight 6560 crash be implemented as soon as possible.
“Our thoughts are still with the families and co-workers who lost loved ones and friends to this tragedy. We cannot make up for their loss, but we have a collective responsibility to follow through on the Transportation Safety Board recommendations. Every possible precaution must be taken when air safety is on the line,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist.
“The memory of our lost colleagues is still vivid. We owe it to them to make the changes required, and to help prevent future accidents. Our local will work with all parties involved to ensure that the Transportation Safety Board recommendations become a reality as soon as possible,” said CUPE Component President of First Air Ken Smith.
Fifteen people were on board when the Boeing 737 crashed east of Resolute Bay on August 20, 2011. Twelve people died and three survived. Among the crash victims were two flight attendants, Ann-Marie Chassie and Ute Merrit, both CUPE members. Pilot Blair Rutherford, whose wife is a First Air flight attendant, and co-pilot Dave Hare were also killed.
In their report, the Transportation Safety Board calls on Transport Canada and the airline industry to reduce unstable approaches that are continued to a landing, and to improve crew communications.
For information:
Philippe Gagnon
CUPE Media Relations
613-894-0146