Affected by the epidemic, Hong Kong Airlines proposes a new round of unpaid leave

According to Hong Kong media reports, the aviation industry is affected by the haze of the epidemic. Hong Kong Airlines has proposed a new round of unpaid leave plans to its logistics staff. Between November this year and March next year, employees will reduce their salary by 5% to 15% according to their ranks. Up to 4 days of unpaid leave per month.

　　The logistics staff of Hong Kong Shipping said that the plan is voluntary. If the employees do not participate, the company will pay the salary as usual, but if the employees are not supported, the company cannot reduce costs. Hong Kong Airlines said frankly that whether to lay off employees depends on the degree of employees' participation in the unpaid leave program.

　　 Hong Kong Airlines stated that it is committed to ensuring that most of the employees’ jobs remain unchanged, but the implementation of travel restrictions in various places continues to severely hit the business, resulting in the reduction of operations to several passenger services per week and temporary cargo charter flights. In addition, the subsidy received from the government can only bring some relief to the business.

Hong Kong Airlines has earlier proposed an unpaid leave plan to its employees, including crew members. The spokesperson of the Hong Kong Airlines said that most of the pilots and cabin attendants agreed to participate in the plan; Hong Kong Airlines will closely monitor the market conditions and adjust the company’s business operations accordingly. When the situation improves, shorten the unpaid leave plan.

　　Hong Kong Airlines urged Hong Kong's logistics staff to continue to participate in the new round of unpaid leave plans, and the pay cut will be reduced. Most pilots and cabin attendants also agreed to participate in the recently launched unpaid leave plan for them.

　　 Hong Kong Airlines will closely monitor the market conditions, adjust business operations accordingly, and strive to shorten the unpaid leave plan when the situation improves.

　　 Chu Hansong, director-general of the Airport Air Transport Workers Association, said that although the union does not want to see the unpaid leave plan, it understands that under the epidemic, everything should be the first to ensure jobs.

　　 He also suggested that the Airport Authority waive more fees for the aviation industry to help alleviate the difficulties and reduce the number of unpaid leave plans for airlines.