Absenteeism Management Program 2
Gentlemen:
I believe the company is somewhat scared. The more worried they become; threats will intensify (absenteeism Management Program). The more unity they see from us (Our Association) the more anxious they will. This can be considered a game to most, but is the most serious game some of us will ever encounter. We are fighting for our very existence. If we do not receive a favorable contract for everybody (I mean everybody), we will be at the mercy of the Company's interpretation of the rules, pay, retirement, benefits, etc). Look at our recent housing benefits for one, the recruitment to a MAS base, Absenteeism Management Program, etc. Any ideas what will be next?
Everytime we get the upper hand, the company gives us another tackle 1. Extending on B-Scale 2. MAS base 3. Absenteeism Management Program 4. Not allowing tempo base by discriminating against people.
The "Absenteeism Management Program" is a serious attack on our already fragile safety circumstances. The company is linking the chain and guiding us towards an accident. With this program, people are showing up for work sick because they are frightened the company will punish them (no temporary base, no First Officer or Command upgrade, dismissal, etc.). By them showing up sick, it affects the rest of the crew, thereby reducing the safety of the operation.
We are overworked, plagued by chronic and acute fatigue, roster instability, stressed by the continued attack on our contract, intimidation, etc. How long before something happens?
As a professional group we should be doing something about it. This is what I suggest:
We have a confidential safety reporting system. Use it. Everytime you see someone at work that is sick or appears to be sick, we have a professional obligation to report this to the CAD. This even applies to us. If you believe that you are being intimidated to go to work, write a confidential report. It should not go that far because you have a legal responsibility (according to the Hong Kong ANO's) not to fly when you believe you are suffering from circumstances in which you are not able to perform your duties.
Cathay Pacific believes it can afford an accident (it has already stated so), but we and the travelling public around the world do not want to be the ones sitting in that aircraft when it happens. The CAD and the travelling public in Hong Kong have to be informed of the diminishing safety of our airline.
The people of Hong Kong and Hong Kong as a whole cannot afford an accident. It is the few people, in our Management, who are on the road to selling out of Hong Kong. If and when it does happen, how do you think it will affect Hong Kong?
Again, this "Absenteeism Management Program" is affecting flight safety. We cannot allow this to turn into what Frank Lorenzo did to Eastern Airlines.
Know you history or you are deemed to repeat it.
Regards bengi25