After firing Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon’s Flight Attendants Association, Cathay Pacific issued a statement on August 23, saying that, “it fully supports the upholding of the Basic Law and all the rights and freedoms afforded by it.”
Two days ago, Cathay Pacific already warned its employees that even if they publish or share posts on social media or leave online messages outside of duty hours, they are not exempted from the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
The company also warned employees that participation in illegal parades or violent activities is unacceptable. It has adopted a “zero tolerance” attitude towards employees participating in illegal activities. If employees participate, they will be investigated by the company and may even be dismissed.
On August 9, the CAAC issued a “severe aviation risk warning” to Cathay. A week later, Rupert Hogg resigned as Cathay Pacific’s CEO. Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, Paul Loo, also resigned. Within those two weeks, multiple employees were fired due to their speeches relating to current protests in Hong Kong, including four pilots.
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, founded 70 years ago. 80 percent of its more than 30,000 employees are in the city.
Source: Central News Agency, August 23, 2019
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/201908230167.aspx