Cathay Pacific to appear in French court over labour law violation | Human Resources Online
Cathay Pacific to appear in French court over labour law violation
Unhygienic water and missing bags of money are not the only things bothering Cathay Pacific Airways these days.
Adding to the airline’s latest misery, French prosecutors have pressed charges regarding concealed work, and subcontracting and loan of workforce on the airline.
The case was first reported by The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association and was later confirmed by the airline.
In a press release issued by The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (HKAOA), the trade union that represents pilots and flight engineers employed by the airline said the charges concerned the employment of 40 pilots stationed in France.
When Cathay Pacific closed its Charles de Gaulle operating base in August 2012, it tried to keep the employment condition of the pilots away form French authority.
Hearings on these charges have been scheduled in court in October 2015 and January 2016.
A number of additional claims have also been filed against Cathay Pacific in civil Courts for failing to provide pension contributions that are compulsory under the French system and compensation for the pilot’s forced relocation to Hong Kong.
HKAOA General Secretary Chris Beebe said the association is aware that the managers who made the decision to close the Charles de Gaulle base and rejected earlier attempts to resolve the situation through mediation attempts have left the company.
“Our organisation sincerely hopes that Cathay Pacific’s recently appointed managers will review the case objectively so that a renewed dialogue on the adequate compensation of its members can be initiated and further procedures avoided,” he said.
He added the association will provide legal assistance to the affected pilots.
A spokesperson from Cathay Pacific acknowledge the legal actions that are going on in France and refused to comment further because legal procedures are under way.