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Flight Attendant Wins Landmark Cancer Case
26 Aug
Summary
- Breast cancer recognized as occupational illness for former flight attendant.
- Court cited night shifts, radiation, and second-hand smoke exposure.
- Ruling may set a precedent for other aviation industry workers.
In a groundbreaking decision, a French court has recognized the breast cancer of a former Air France flight attendant as an occupational disease. This marks the first such ruling for the aviation sector in France.
Sophie Lainault, 59, worked for Air France for 30 years, accumulating over 12,600 flight hours, with more than half occurring during night shifts. A court in Bayonne acknowledged her cancer's occupational origin, considering her regular night work, exposure to ionising radiation, and passive smoking.
Smoking was permitted on Air France flights until 2000. The court also ruled out genetic factors or lifestyle choices as causes for her illness, following a two-and-a-half-year legal battle supported by a union. This recognition allows Lainault to access early retirement benefits.
Her lawyer stated this ruling could set a legal precedent for other flight crew members. Air France has affirmed its commitment to employee health and safety. Notably, breast cancer was also recognized as an occupational disease for a nurse in 2023, highlighting a growing trend in acknowledging occupational links to the illness.
