Jock747,
Isn’t this quite a responsible reaction to the SARS (media hyped up) crisis? You only have to look at any S E Asian airport to see the damage that Asian airlines are suffering.
I know many companies both in Asia and Europe that are forcing staff to take compulsory unpaid leave rather than making staff redundant.
In my opinion any company that is trying to offset the damage without ditching staff permanently is to be applauded, not ridiculed, or have I completely missed your point?.
I know this is just what I’m doing at my company. Minimise the damage and retain staff for the inevitable rebound (I hope).
Additionally, this issue is not just affecting expats. All aviation staffs employment, irrespective of whether you are locally employed or expat status, is at risk.