'Solidarity and condolences'

Unite sends its solidarity to all those affected by the devastating mid-air collision of PSA flight 5342 with a US military helicopter in Washington, DC today (January 31).

The American Airlines regional passenger jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter at around 9pm local time. Emergency responders are now working tirelessly in a search and rescue mission on the Potomac River, where they have, as of writing, recovered 27 bodies.

Two flight attendants crewing the flight are members of the AFA-CWA, an American flight attendants trade union affiliated to the ITF, a global transport federation of unions to which Unite is also affiliated.

Unite Civil Air Transport (CAT) NISC chair Laszlo Marothy said Unite has worked closely with the AFA-CWA through the ITF and that Unite sends its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences and solidarity to all those affected” by the tragedy.

“We recognise the tremendous efforts of AFA-CWA reps as more details of the tragedy emerge,” Laszlo said. “By far the most difficult job that any workplace rep will ever undertake is consoling and supporting the loved ones and colleagues of members involved in a fatal accident. I say this from my own personal experience. Our hearts go out to all who have been touched by this tragedy and we also send our solidarity to first responders involved in search and rescue efforts.”

By Hajera Blagg