Union cites poor training for airport shooting chaos

A lack of emergency training for civilian airport workers aggravated the chaos that followed last January’s mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport, according to a report by a union that represents baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and other employees.

“Most passenger service workers reported being asked by passengers in various levels of panic about what was happening and what they needed to do,” states a report from the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, which says it represents more than 600 of these workers. “.... Sadly, workers reported frustration at not being able to assist passengers with their queries, as they themselves did not know what was happening and what to do.”

The 24-page report, which will be discussed Thursday at a meeting held by the union at the airport, blames a lack of mandatory emergency training, an excessive number of companies handling airport services and high turnover prompted by low wages.

Greg Meyer, spokesman for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, said airport officials had not yet reviewed the report and would not comment.

“As you are aware, our consultant is working on their independent review of the tragic events that occurred at FLL on January 6, 2017,” he wrote in an email, using the airport’s three-letter code. “We maintain our position that until our report is completed we will not be addressing any other reports

The chaos broke out after the arrest of Esteban Santiago for fatally shooting five passengers and injuring six others at a baggage claim area.

More than an hour later, reports of additional shooters spread through all four terminals, prompting passengers and workers to barricade themselves in stores, closets and restaurants and stampede through the exits. Dozens of people were injured in the panic. prepared by other entities.”

Law enforcement officers found no other shooters, as thousands of passengers waited outside for hours.

The union’s report refered to a Sun-Sentinel investigation of the chaos following the shooting, which said airport authorities failed to provide guidance to passengers during the panic and the ensuing hours of waiting around the airport.

“Passengers quoted in the story