Airports: Essential Workers Or Just Another Travel Facilitator?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for employees in the aviation sector to be considered essential workers during the vaccine rollout. This includes everyone from airline employees, concessions operators, screening professionals, security officers, and baggage handlers. While air traffic controllers and security screeners at airports are typically deemed essential employees, the classification of other airport employees varies. For instance, in the US, mass transit and airport workers were considered essential workers during the early days of the pandemic.

Aviation workers and COVID-19 vaccine priority

The aviation industry plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, and as such, its workers should be considered essential. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has emphasised the importance of classifying aviation workers as essential when COVID-19 vaccines are distributed. This is especially important as the industry will play a vital role in the vaccine's global distribution. IATA's CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, stated that it is essential to have a qualified workforce to ensure a functioning logistics chain.

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have also advocated for aviation workers to be given priority access to vaccinations. They argue that an effective global vaccine strategy relies on healthy, rested, and trained flight crews and other aviation workers. Additionally, it is anticipated that countries will require proof of vaccination for entry, and timely vaccination for aviation workers will ensure they can continue operating cargo and passenger flights that are critical links in the global supply chain.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has also pushed for flight attendants to be included with other essential workers in priority groups for voluntary vaccination. AFA and several airlines have distributed vaccine priority letters to help flight attendants establish their essential worker status and gain access to vaccines.

The World Health Organization's SAGE group's Roadmap for Prioritising Uses of COVID-19 Vaccines supports this position. The roadmap recommends prioritising transportation workers, along with other key workers outside the health and education sectors, after healthcare workers and high-risk individuals have been vaccinated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, aviation workers have been deemed essential employees, ensuring the continuation of air travel. This includes air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, who worked without pay during the federal government shutdown.

Air traffic controllers deemed essential

Air travel is a complex operation, with many moving parts and personnel. In the event of a government shutdown, air traffic controllers and security screeners at airports are deemed essential employees and will continue to work without pay to ensure flights and passengers can flow without disruption.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft on the ground and through controlled airspace. They are vital to the smooth operation of any airport, and their work is critical to the safety of human life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, air traffic controllers were also considered essential workers, and they played a crucial role in the distribution of vaccines and medical equipment.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs air traffic controllers, and they are represented by unions that advocate for their rights and safety. During the record-breaking 35-day government shutdown in 2018-2019, air traffic controllers were initially required to work without pay, but as the shutdown continued, some started calling in sick, which led to a temporary shutdown of LaGuardia Airport. This highlights the importance of recognizing air traffic controllers as essential workers and ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also called for aviation workers, including air traffic controllers, to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing their essential role in the global response to the pandemic. IATA's Director General, Alexandre de Juniac, stated that a qualified workforce is necessary to ensure a functioning logistics chain for vaccine distribution.

Overall, air traffic controllers are essential to the functioning of airports and the safety of air travel. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is critical to maintaining the smooth and secure operation of aviation, especially during times of crisis or government shutdown.

Airport workers and government shutdowns

During a government shutdown, essential workers continue to work, but a prolonged closure could make travel difficult. While a federal government shutdown would halt some government operations, air traffic controllers and security screeners at airports are deemed essential employees and will continue to work without pay to keep flights and passengers flowing.

Air Traffic Controllers and Security Screeners

The Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers are considered essential workers and will stay on the job during a shutdown. At the TSA, about 59,000 of the agency's 62,000+ employees are considered essential. Air traffic controllers are also considered essential employees and would be asked to work without pay.

Impact on Travel

A government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airport security checkpoints, especially during the busy holiday season. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, which was the longest in US history, travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport waited in security lines for up to an hour and a half, causing some to miss their flights.

Essential Workers in the Aviation Industry

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for employees in the aviation sector, including airport workers, to be considered essential workers, especially during the COVID-19 vaccine campaign. This is because they play a crucial role in the distribution of vaccines, medicines, testing kits, and protective equipment globally.

Definition of Essential Workers

According to the 2013 Essential Services Act, essential employees are those who perform work involving the safety of human life and the protection of property. This generally includes workers in law enforcement, public safety, food production, healthcare, and emergency services. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers in additional industries, such as transportation, were added to the list of essential workers.

Airport workers, including air traffic controllers and security screeners, are essential to keeping air travel functioning during government shutdowns. While they continue to work without pay, prolonged shutdowns may lead to longer wait times and disruptions for travelers. Recognizing the essential nature of the aviation industry, especially during global crises, is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of airports and the wider travel industry.

Aviation workers' role in pandemic response

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for employees in the aviation sector to be considered essential workers during the COVID-19 vaccine campaign. IATA's 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously adopted a resolution to this effect, requesting governments to ensure that aviation workers are prioritised for vaccination after healthcare workers and vulnerable groups. This call is aligned with the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE), which recommends prioritising transportation workers for vaccination.

Aviation workers are essential to the timely distribution of vaccines, medicines, testing kits, and protective equipment worldwide. Their role in the logistics chain is critical, as highlighted by IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac, who noted that the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines alone would require the equivalent of 8,000 Boeing 747 freighter aircraft for global distribution.

In addition to their role in vaccine distribution, aviation workers have also been vital in maintaining airport operations and ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff. This includes adapting to new safety protocols, implementing touchless technology, and maintaining social distancing and sanitisation measures. Their efforts have been instrumental in restoring confidence in air travel and enabling airports to remain operational during the pandemic.

Aviation workers, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, have also continued working without pay during government shutdowns to ensure the uninterrupted flow of flights and passengers. Their dedication and resilience have been crucial in maintaining the aviation industry's contribution to pandemic response and recovery efforts.

Airport workers' safety measures

Airport workers are considered essential workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they play a crucial role in the distribution of vaccines and other essential supplies. Their role in ensuring safe and efficient travel for passengers also highlights their importance.

Safety Measures for Airport Workers:

Working in an airport comes with various health and safety risks that employees should be aware of to ensure their well-being. Here are some key safety measures and guidelines for airport workers:

Training and Awareness:

• Airport workers should receive comprehensive training specific to their roles and the hazards they may encounter. This includes understanding the unique challenges of working airside, near aircraft, and on the tarmac.
• Regular safety briefings and updates should be provided to employees to maintain awareness of potential dangers and any changes in procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• High-visibility clothing is typically mandatory in outside areas of the airport to ensure workers are visible to aircraft and vehicles.
• Hearing protection, such as ear defenders, is essential when working on the tarmac or in other noisy environments to prevent hearing damage from aircraft noise.
• Safety clothing and equipment, including respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves, are crucial when handling hazardous substances, such as fuel, chemicals, or cleaning agents.

Vehicle and Aircraft Safety:

• Workers should exercise extreme caution when working around aircraft engines and propellers due to the risk of suction and propeller wash or exhaust blast. Always approach aircraft engines from the side and never from the front or rear.
• When crossing the tarmac, be vigilant and give way to aircraft and vehicles. Aircraft have the right of way, and it is important to understand apron markings and signals.
• If driving on the tarmac, adhere to speed limits, remain alert, and follow safety guidelines. Be aware that aircraft towing trucks, mobile aircraft steps, and cargo-handling vehicles may be difficult to hear due to aircraft noise.

Slips, Trips, and Falls:

• The tarmac can become slippery when wet, icy, or contaminated with fuel spills. Wear approved footwear with good traction, and follow signage for designated safe walkways.
• When using steps or corridors to access aircraft, be cautious as they may be wet or slippery.
• In aircraft holds, wear a safety helmet and watch for tripping hazards like drive wheels and roller beds.

Hazardous Substances and Equipment:

• When handling or inspecting cargo, always coordinate with the pilot, ground crew, and other relevant personnel. Be cautious when taking samples or examining equipment to avoid interference with critical systems.
• When searching passenger areas, be cautious of sharp objects and properly replace any removed items, such as life jackets, for emergency use.
• In toilets, be cautious of discarded needles and corrosive cleaning chemicals. Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, and wash hands afterward.
• In galleys, beware of electrical cooking equipment, which may operate at high voltages. Always assume rubbish bags and bins may contain broken glass or sharp objects.

COVID-19 Precautions:

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to follow health guidelines, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and the use of face masks to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
• Employers should implement measures such as physical separation of low-risk and high-risk arrivals, enhanced sanitization protocols, and COVID-safe training programs for staff.

These safety measures aim to protect airport workers from various hazards and ensure their well-being. It is important for employees to stay vigilant, follow procedures, and prioritize their safety and the safety of their colleagues and passengers.

Frequently asked questions