The risk of irreversible eye damage while looking at the sun – even briefly – during an eclipse is well established. Being outside during an eclipse is not a hazard to workers, and a solar eclipse does not coincide with increased cosmic radiation.

THERE IS NO SAFE WAY TO VIEW A SOLAR ECLIPSE WITHOUT SPECIALIZED PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR (certified to ISO 12312-2).

To stay safe, some simple safety precautions exist:

• DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN, just as you normally wouldn’t. This is particularly important in situations where a view of the horizon is possible (ex. passenger seat, flight deck).
• The ONLY safe viewers are those certified to ISO 12312-2 standard.
  • DO NOT USE viewers if there is ANY doubt whatsoever about counterfeiting or quality.
  • DO NOT USE ANY OTHER KIND OF LENSE/FILTER/WINDOW to view the eclipse.
• An announcement has been issued to be read onboard affected flights today, found in globe messages.
• A corporate safety bulletin has been issued via Globe titled: “Solar eclipse information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)”
• The employer is NOT providing solar eclipse viewers to workers. The best way to ensure safety is NOT to look at the sun during the event.

The best way to stay safe, is NOT to look at the sun. There will be plenty of images and livestreams available for viewing, including from NASA.

We have seen an increase in discipline for some of our members who have made posts on social media sites.  We have noted that even when a member posted on the Facebook discussion board or the service director discussion board that it trickled down to Air Canada. Whether we like it or not, some of our colleagues are passing this information on to the employer.  They take great issue with anything that may in their view discredit Air Canada or damage their brand. We have assertively defended the members who were impacted by this.  We do not want to limit your right to free speech on union matters, however we felt it was important to advise you that when you think a Facebook closed group is private, that is sadly and simply not the case.