As protests and civil unrest continue in Hong Kong the Union contracted a security expert to provide a threat risk assessment for this layover.

To date Global Affairs Canada has not issued a travel advisory against Travel.

The Union has been advised that the location of the temporary hotel provides a superior level of safety to crews.

At this time the Union has been advised that it’s members should take certain extra precautions:

·       Refrain from taking any photographs or video footage while in Hong Kong. Do not take any images of local events (especially civil unrest).
·       Be aware that Westerners may be targeted by protesters to get their messages out to the world. As a result, Westerners may be targeted by local law enforcement or security forces for appearing to collaborate with protesters.
·       Be aware that regardless of your background and proficiency in local language and culture, you will be perceived as a Westerner. This includes those with family in Hong Kong.
·       Remain at the hotel if possible. This provides the highest degree of safety and avoids the possibility of becoming an unwitting target of protesters or police.
·       Do not engage in any political discussion or commentary between yourselves or with anyone else about the current events while on layover.
·       Do not send emails or other electronic messages back home regarding local events (especially civil unrest).
·       Advise or leave a message for the in-charge if you intend to leave the layover property.

General Precautions:

When travelling to countries in a time of heated politics your union recommends the following:

– Visit the Global Affairs website regularly, or download the government’s Travel Smart app. For your convenience we have provided the links below.

– Make sure to read your company communications to remain aware of any potential operational changes.

– Ensure to let someone from your crew know where you are when you go out, or leave a note in your room. Follow company procedures if you expect to be away from the hotel for an extended period of time.

– Should a serious event occur while on layover, ensure to contact the company via crew scheduling as soon as possible to advise of your status.

– Practice good “street smarts” while on layover: Avoid large gatherings and protests, avoid government buildings or locations of political or touristic significance , avoid politically provocative conversation , follow the advice and guidance of local authorities, try to remain aware of the local news while on layover. If in doubt about any local safety issues, consulting the hotel staff can be helpful.

Your union and its many resources remain at your disposal. We have included links to the Global Affairs Canada Hong Kong info page which you may want to download or print, as well as a link to the Global Affairs Canada App (see below). In the event that you are, or were affected by civil unrest in Hong Kong, please note that injury on duty includes resulting stress related to such potentially traumatic events. Should this be the case please contact the Union.

If you have any further questions or concerns with regards to operating in and out of Hong Kong, please reach out to your Local Union office for guidance.

Global Affairs Hong Kong Page:
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/hong-kong

Travel Smart App:
Https://travel.gc.ca/mobile

Union Resources:
injury@accomponent.ca for a copy of the Union’s Layover Safety Guide

CUPE 2019 Agenda includes a copy of the Layover Safety Guide and important contacts
247@accomponent.ca to reach the Union any time

In solidarity,

Your Air Canada Component of CUPE Health and Safety Committee

DID YOU KNOW? 

Bladder cancer is one of the more common cancers. 8,900 Canadians were diagnosed with it in 2017, with nearly three quarters of them male. As cabin crew, we may have been exposed to two known contributing factors at higher frequencies than other people in the general population.

REMEMBER:

• Cabin crew at Canadian air carriers were exposed to second-hand smoke onboard until smoking bans were implemented in the early 1990’s. Cigarette smoke is a known contributor to developing bladder cancer (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/tobacco-and-cancer/secondhand-smoke.html)
• As travellers, cabin crew may also be exposed to a fresh water-borne parasite schistosomiasis found in tropical regions. This is known to be a contributor for a form of bladder cancer more commonly seen in parts of the world where the parasite lives. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/schistosomiasis)
• Bladder cancer generally shows up later in life. The majority of diagnosis will be in those 65 years or older.
• Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer can easily be confused with other conditions such as bladder infections, muscle pain etcetera. It is important to inform your physician if you have been exposed to contributors which might put you at increased risk of having this disease (https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/bladder/risks/?region=on).

SOLIDARITY:

Should you be affected by bladder cancer, or should you know a colleague or recent retiree who has, the Union is in contact with survivors who are willing to offer valuable support or assistance based on their experiences.

The Union’s workers compensation specialists may also be of assistance for any claims related to workplace exposure.

Please contact us should you be interested.

In solidarity,

Your Air Canada Component of CUPE Health and Safety Committee