ABSTRACT
A major airport in Scotland in 2004 introduced an airport-wide regulation limiting all checked baggage to 20 kilograms. Research on airport check-in workers in Malta was completed by a local researcher who applied the questionnaire developed for study, including a body map. The resolution passed because of the extremely high level of disabling back injuries among airport baggage handlers, a predominantly male population, and associated high workers’ compensation costs. The study prepared the groundwork needed for collective bargaining agents to take steps toward solving the problems identified among check-in workers. The Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Auto Workers’ Union disseminated the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) report of the study to their affiliates and members at airports across Canada. The ITF is considering extending their international media campaign against Air Rage to include ground staff as well as cabin crew.
