6.09.23 – Special LGA Base Brief – NYC Toxic Air Quality

Friday, June 9, 2023

NYC TOXIC AIR QUALITY

On Thursday, June 6, 2023, officials in New York City issued several warnings to all residents and visitors due to the wildfires from Canada bringing toxic air to our region and the tri-state areas. On Thursday, while at the airport for a conference, the air quality deteriorated to dangerous levels, including the taste of toxic particles when one breathed.

NYC Mayor Adams communicated: “Smoke from wildfires in Canada began to impact New York City’s air quality today, and conditions this evening have worsened with additional smoke and haze moving into the region. We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible. Those with preexisting respiratory problems, like heart or breathing problems, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive and should stay indoors at this time.”

I immediately contacted our national safety and health departments, and upper management had not yet communicated information or preventive measures as of Thursday evening. I followed up with local management, who, rightfully so, can only act on direction from a high level in situations such as these. The safety of flight attendants in New York who travel on mass transit, drive through poorly ventilated tunnels, and many who sit in smog-riddled traffic jams must be important to American Airlines. 

Last night, I communicated the disappointment to the vice president of Inflight, Brady Byrnes. I made sure to express how this lack of empathy and preparation has taken another shot at our already low morale, including team members in departments beyond inflight. American Airlines management cannot have it both ways, dependable employees for big profits but zero accountability for them when our quality of work life is on the line.

 I want to assure all flight attendants in New York that this issue did not and will not go unanswered. I look forward to working closely with management to ensure New York is treated with the same consideration they expect in every aspect. Any flight attendant who has either lost time or experienced any adverse reaction to this issue, visit the www.apfa.org website for resources and the LGA base council for any issues about your attendance or performance if impacted by this health issue. Please use masks to protect yourselves while flying within the tri-state airports, on-duty or not. Our safety must be our top priority. 

APFA Health Department [email protected]

APFA Safety Department [email protected]

LGA Base Council [email protected]

In Unity,

Christian M. Santana
APFA LGA Base President 

PROUD to Represent New York-LGA
& Ready for a Contract!