HKA Lays Off 55
Everyone saw this coming, from the SCMP.
Martin Wong
Jan 10, 2009
Hong Kong Airlines laid off 55 workers yesterday, citing a business restructuring rather than the financial situation as the reason.
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said workers contacted it yesterday afternoon after about 50 of them received letters from the airline saying their jobs were being terminated with immediate effect.
The letters, which were issued by the company's human resources and administration division, did not state any reason for the 55 workers' dismissal.
Sung Chee-tak, organising secretary of the union, said that when workers asked the company if their positions had become redundant, it refused to comment. "Workers feel furious."
Last night a spokesman said the company had decided to focus on cargo flights, so some workers had to be laid off in the restructuring.
"Workers were compensated according to labour ordinances," the spokesman said.
In November, the company fired 40 employees and accused them of unsatisfactory performance, but it refused to supply evidence to back its claims.
The company later said the airline needed to cut down on manpower because business had dropped by 10 to 15 per cent with the economic downturn and because of a seasonal business low. It added at the time that it was difficult to say whether there would be further layoffs and that the company would make a decision depending on market conditions.
So, they are going to be focussing on cargo? How do you that with the much heralded coming passenger configuration A320s and A330s.
S*&t Lah! Didn't think of that!
Perhaps the Singas not singing the same song lah!