"A Labour Government will extend the Health and Safety in Employment Act to air crews," associate Labour spokesperson on labour, Mark Gosche, said today.

"We have made a specific commitment to do this in our OSH policy, released on Labour Day as part of Labour's workers' package.

"Currently these crews are not covered by any OSH legislation although other countries have moved to remedy this defect," Mr Gosche said.

National two years ago voted down Mr Gosche's Private Member's Bill to extend coverage, saying it would amend the Civil Aviation Act instead.

"However it has since become apparent that they were only paying lip service to the idea. They took the pretence far enough to set up a working party but that was almost two years ago and nothing has happened since.

"Crews can expect genuine concern and quick action from Labour," Mr Gosche said.

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