ports

Major cargo handler AGI faces safety probe at New York airports

Alliance Ground International, a leading North America cargo and ground handler, is under investigation following safety complaints filed with federal regulators. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration received formal complaints from 21 workers at JFK and LaGuardia airports through union representation Friday. Allegations include defective braking systems on airport tugs, missing safety equipment such as seat belts and mirrors, and non-functional alarms. Workers reported tugs rolling despite engaged emergency brakes and described a runaway tug incident at LaGuardia. Additional complaints cite unsafe forklift operations, flooded cargo areas, inadequate personal protective equipment, and insufficient heat protection. The claims also reference multiple workplace injuries including forklift strikes and a heat-related hospitalization in summer 2024. Workers alleged management pressure to expedite operations with inadequate staffing levels.