Some flight attendants are working under a cloud of concern and are pressing major airlines for more protective measures.
"Stefanie" who did not wish to be identified to avoid reprisals from her employer Air Canada said she and her colleagues are worried that they're not given gloves or any other protective measures. Stefanie is a non-unionized employee working in the industry for almost three years.
"The company says to wash your hands and that's about it," said Stefanie, who reached out to yourstory@cjad.com.
Stefanie said they can't see their friends and family on their days off to prevent the spread of the virus so it's also getting to be a burden emotionally and psychogically.
The union representing Air Canada flight attendants said in a statement to CJAD 800 they've been requesting such personal protective equipment for their members. CUPE also wants more access to disinfectant and said that flight attendants should only be interacting with passengers for urgent matters, like medical situations or security situations.
Air Canada has not responded to CJAD 800's request for comment. Its website says it's following public health protocols.
Stefanie said it's still not reassuring.
"Either stop flights entirely or start testing people who are at the front of the lines so that we can prevent spreading this virus," she said.
The airline recently announced it's temporarily laying off 5000 workers.