KARACHI, Dec. 15: An international workers organization expressing concern over the long working hours of the cabin crew has urged the national airline to follow the international standards so that passengers’ safety was not compromised.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF Coordination Committee for Pakistan) has said that the aviation industry world over had made great reductions in its employees to enhance profitability, but in none of these organizations the cabin crew had not been reduced, nor have their working hours been extended, as has been done in the PIA.

It said that PIA’s own rules prescribed 10 plus 2 hours policy — that is two hours for pick and drop and 10 hours flying time — but since the recent past the flying time extended to over 18 hours contrary to PIA’s own laid down principles.

The labour organization urged the PIA management to improve the conditions and follow international practices. It said that the national airlines might not be concerned over the welfare of its employees but it should consider reducing flying hours and make these at par with the international standards for the safety of passengers on board.