The Wuhan Coronavirus (coronavirus) has caused a huge impact on the global economy and to the aviation industry. Hong Kong, as an international aviation hub, is also greatly affected by the coronavirus disease infection. The Hong Kong Government (government) has announced to be investing HKD 27.3 billion into Cathay Pacific (Cathay). The funding has restored the confidence of many workers working in the aviation industry.
“As one of Hong Kong’s top employer, Cathay Pacific has employed over thirty thousand staffs. Many problems will be sparked once Cathay has gone bankrupt. We urge the government to impose measures to protect the staffs’ rights,” a spokesperson said.
“We have noticed that no terms are regulating the crew employment in the government funding requirements. Many flights have been cancelled or reduced during this period due to the coronavirus, causing the staffs’ income to be significantly reduced. Many were forced on unpaid leaves, having salary reduced or even being laid off. We urge the government to provide aid to these staffs to soothe their urgent needs,” a spokesperson added.
Hong Kong is an international aviation hub. Its success is owing to a great geographical location, it’s economic status, the rule of law, the high degree of autonomy given by the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and the efforts given by the staffs. We hope the government to pay more concern on the staffs’ labour rights to let Hong Kong continue to be an international aviation hub and excel.
ENDS
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 00:03