Airport baggage handlers across Europe are calling for passengers to pack less.

Airport baggage handlers across Europe have launched a campaign to reduce the weight of passengers’ luggage in order to save them from injury.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) want to introduce realistic weight limits and protect check-in staff and ground handlers from work-related injuries.

Asking passengers to pack less when they fly, the ETF and ITF were represented at 35 airports in 15 countries last week as they handed out 100,000 leaflets and stickers to drive home the message.

Luggage by air is exempt from the health and safety weight limits laid down in other industries – making baggage handlers more likely to suffer musculoskeletal injury than other workers claim the unions.

In a statement they said: “Not only does luggage often exceed all recognised safe limits, but it also has to be handled in restricted areas such as aircraft holds where mechanical aids and recommended lifting positions are impossible.”

Enrique Carmona, President of the ETF Ground Staff Committee commented: “Every day hugely heavy loads that would be rejected in just about any other workplace are being handled by check-in staff and baggage handlers. The result is too often injuries that can last a lifetime. That’s why we are asking travellers to think of the people who help them on their way, and asking airlines and politicians to close the gap that still exists in the plans to prevent these disorders.”

The ETF and ITF are calling for an immediate top limit of 23kg per item, with a phased reduction to 15kg. They would like to see hand luggage limited to 6kg per bag to avoid the current free-for-all on items stowed in overhead lockers which, they believe, potentially threatens cabin crew and passengers alike.

They also suggest that by packing less, flyers will also save money by not having to pay the charges demanded for over-the-limit items, and save the environment – lighter baggage means lighter planes, lower fuel consumption and fewer carbon emissions.

For more information, visit: www.packless.org