‘Life-threatening’: Airport staff demand halt to flights from China

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Staff at airports across Australia are threatening to walk off the job unless they are allowed to do more to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus.

The security workers’ union said contractors at Australia’s major airports had dismissed requests from workers – including facility staff and officers at security checkpoints – to take protective measures against the rapidly escalating virus.

Workers had been told masks would make customers feel “uncomfortable”, the United Workers Union said on Friday, adding that some staff who wanted to wear masks had been threatened with disciplinary action.

“The coronavirus is a life-threatening disease … To threaten disciplinary action for a request to wear a mask is not only irresponsible but immoral,” union spokesman Damien Davie said.

“It is appalling and dangerous that the safety of airport staff is not being prioritised because employers are worried about spooking customers.

“The safety of our members and the public must always come first.”

The UWU’s demands came as the Transport Workers Union called for flights to Australia from China to be suspended.

“There is no clarity coming from the federal government about safety measures to protect aviation workers and the public from the coronavirus outbreak,” it said in a statement on Twitter.

“Until that certainty can be provided, flights from China should be suspended.”