Ebola outbreak: Aircraft cleaners at New York’s LaGuardia Airport walk out over virus fear
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two hundred aircraft cleaners walked out at New York's LaGuardia Airport amid fears that they have too little protection from exposure to Ebola.
Among the duties of the workers are cleaning up garbage, vomit and faeces from bathrooms and other areas of passenger aircraft.
The walkout took place as the US authorities prepare to start screening at five major airports and was organised by the 32BJ Service Employees International Union as part of a long-standing campaign to win better working conditions.
The cleaners involved in the walkout are not responsible for international flights but are concerned that passengers from areas with outbreaks can transfer to domestic flights.
At New York's John F. Kennedy airport, aircraft cleaner Sharekul Islam said his job frequently exposes him to the body fluids and waste that can transmit the disease. “We are always with feces and near garbage,” he said.
Rob Hill, vice president of 32BJ, said: “The issues happened way before Ebola, but it's now come to a head.”
The airport authority said it would review concerns while Air Serv said in a statement: “We continually review our policies and procedures for updates and enhancements, and communicate updates to employees, as necessary - for example, including an update on protocols for Ebola just last week.”
The Ebola virus causes hemorrhagic fever and is spread through direct contact with body fluids from an infected person, who would suffer severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.
Sylvia Burwell, the US cabinet Secretary for Health, said the public is concerned about their safety during the Ebola scare because of the high mortality rate: “The nation is frightened, and people are frightened of this disease.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments