The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) today expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew onboard flight MH17 and backed calls for an international investigation.
MH17 was carrying almost 300 passengers when it crashed yesterday in eastern Ukraine on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The reasons for the crash remain unclear, with strong suggestions that a missile attack was responsible.
“We are shocked by this tragic and horrific event. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” stated ITF president Paddy Crumlin. “The ITF strongly backs calls for an international and transparent investigation and a peaceful resolution to Ukraine’s civil conflict.”
The ITF today sent a message of support and condolences to the union that represents the cabin crew, the Malaysia Airline System Employees Union (Maseu). ITF civil aviation section secretary Gabriel Mocho reaffirmed the call for the international aviation authorities to strengthen prevention measures to avoid conflict areas and stated: “Malaysian Airlines and its workforce is an invaluable asset for Malaysia and the government should respond to this latest tragedy by supporting both.”
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson. Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260. Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF: HEAD OFFICE ITF House, 49 – 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871 Email: mail@itf.org.uk Web: www.itfglobal.org