January 08, 2019
TO: ALL LOCAL 512 MEMBERS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Recently there have been modifications to the Ramp Operations Manual. In Section 08.06.5 Powerstow Extendable Beltloader has one item added, Paragraph (I) States: "The Powerstow is designed to be safely used with one person in the bin of the aircraft."
The language in paragraph (I) is not in any other section with regards to Beltloaders. It is not in Operating Guidelines, and not in offloading or loading operation procedures. It is TWU Local 512's contention that the language specifies its design but does not mandate it.
TWU Local 512 continues stand firm on its safety concerns with regards to this addition to the Ramp Operations Manual. There is no clear procedure or guidelines how it can be safely used when there is no visual contact with an FSC in the belly that is at the end of the Powerstow.
There must always be two FSC’s in the belly to resolve this concern. The main focus should always be to provide every member with the safest work environment. We should never take shortcuts when it comes to safety.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Juan Elvira
President
TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION – Local 512
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