Elevator mechanics' strike causes problems at Oslo airport - report

Airline Industry Information, Nov 17, 2004

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A strike by elevator mechanics has reportedly trapped passengers at Oslo's Gardermoen International Airport and caused them to miss flights.

Twenty elevators, three escalators and a rolling walkway are reportedly immobile, turning the building into an obstacle course and creating problems for staff and passengers.

In particular handicapped passengers have missed flights because they have not been able to exit from the parking building.

The airport's information chief Jo Kobro reportedly said that the strike represents a menace to public safety.

"We have therefore applied for exemption but have been refused. We have had to carry wheelchair users up several flights, this is demeaning for passengers and can lead to an accident if someone loses their grip," Kobro was quoted as saying.

Union representative Terje Skog said that individual companies could grant an exemption but that the airport had not tried this option, reported the online edition of the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.

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