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David Stanley Ford

Pilots protest jobs without rest room

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS    Comments Comment on this article4
Published: September 4, 2009

MIAMI, Fla. — Flying a Boeing 727 around the world might sound like a dream. But pilots for a Florida air cargo company claim their job is a nightmare that includes no sick pay, shrinking wages and no place but a plastic bag to use the rest room on flights.

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Sixty-two pilots and flight engineers for Fort Lauderdale-based Amerijet International Inc. went on strike Aug. 27. Among their demands is flushable toilets on board. Their union has been trying to negotiate a new contract the past five years.

Its Florida workers say they’re suffering. On the picket line in heavy rain Thursday, pilot Dawn Leschinski held up an 18-inch green plastic bag.

"This is actually the bathroom that we’re expected to use on Amerijet airplanes,” she said.

Because full bags aren’t easily discarded, accumulations on longer flights result in a heavy stench.

About 20 braved the downpour outside Miami International Airport on Thursday, wearing their uniform ties and golden wing pendants while carrying protest signs.

Amerijet spokeswoman Christine Richard declined to comment on the claims, but said the company’s cargo service to cities around the world hasn’t been affected by the strike.

Workers say they’re working under dangerous conditions, when days can last 18 hours, small periods between shifts, and hefty financial penalties if they call in sick. Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said there are no federal requirements for airlines to provide working rest rooms.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Business, Air Travel, Transportation, Jobs and Labor, Labor Strikes and Disputes


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I didn't think an airline toilet ran that much. But a few years ago they put up a brand spanking one for sale at Tinker on www.govliquidation.com. It was the vanity module for a 737 which is a self contained total modular bathroom that you just slipped into the proper space and plugged in. It utilized a sophisticated recycling system that cleaned the blue liquid. It wound up selling for $25,000. New price is around $100,000.
burt, edmond - Sep 4, 2009 at 5:13 pm
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I agree Louis, I'm not a union supporter either, but these workers have my support. Draconian working conditions like these should not be tolerated. Find out who their customers are and put pressure on them to switch service providers. Once the $$ starts to dry up, the company may finally get the message.
Cheryl, Edmond - Sep 4, 2009 at 3:01 pm
No kidding, I don't know anywhere else that you wouldn't be allowed to use proper facilities. Then to take away pay if you call in sick... Doesn't sound like a pleasant company to work for.
Jess, Warr Acres - Sep 4, 2009 at 10:34 am
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I am usually not for a union, but if these dudes have to fly w/out a toilet, I am all for them. It's not like they are in the military and on a bombing mission. Give them a damn potty!
Louis Friend, Norman - Sep 4, 2009 at 8:26 am

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