CNY

[OK4Wire]

I was party to an interesting conversation a few nights ago.

A couple of pilots (non-recipients of 13th month) were considering not giving out any lai sees to anyone next week.

So, the full gamut of arguments ensued, from “it’s not their fault”, “they had nothing to do with that decision” “they shouldn’t suffer because we are being mistreated by the company” to “It’s an extension of the withdrawal of our goodwill”

I eventually started to come around to the idea, given that there are always innocent bystanders caught up in serious movements, be they violent revolutions or French strikers burning cars everywhere. “It’s not personal, it’s business”.

So, do we continue to bend over, or do we show the tiniest amount of displeasure?

[boresite]

I understand the frustration and need to make a statement.
But, withholding Lai See on those grounds would lower my moral dignity. The same proponents probably didn't refuse to give/accept Christmas cards or presents. What's next? withhold all that loose change for charity? Refuse to tip the waitress?

[TurningFinalRWY36]

Would be pretty pathetic I say. How about they direct their misguided anger towards management. Oh wait, they cant because they really have to do that trip to xyz for a whole multitude of reasons.

[DDDOF]

How much did you usually give out to your Crew?

[AQIS Boigu]

$20

How about no CDR over CNY? That would make more of a difference than witholding 20 bucks from junior cabin crew.

Anymore CTS heros out there?

[Liam Gallagher]

The simplest answer is often the best.

We do what we should have done in December.

Just go sick.

We make a clear statement and don't have to involve the cabin crew.

[Lions Gate]

Many of us did go of "unfit" for December, and will be doing so again next week. There IS a lot of flu going around. A couple of days off because I am feeling a bit under the weather. Only responsible thing to do is stay in bed.

[Lions Gate]

For reference: https://apnews.com/da19ce2ea2354b5db3cc1cfeb78220fc/Flu-season-still-getting-worse;-now-as-bad-as-2009-swine-flu

[Bangaluru]

It seems to be assumed that giving out LaiSees is part of the job. I wholeheartedly disagree. Surely it’s a personal decision based on a desire to be generous in a certain direction or not.

[Lions Gate]

I go to work to fly an airplane, not worry about 'gift giving'. Call it what you like, but I am not obligated and couldn't care less what the snowflakes think.

[Fly747]

This has nothing to do with our bonus from the company.
I've never given crew Lai See and never will, I'm not their employer.
I happily give it to those who work around my building but fail to see why I should give anything to a random selection of fellow employees who just happen to be rostered to fly with me.

[Lions Gate]

b.i.n.g.o it's a ridiculous expectation.

[Dragon69]

Have to be honest the gesture is never appreciated, so I gave up a long time ago.

[Frogman1484]

I never have and never will give the cabin crew Laisee. I do not celebrate CNY.

They don’t give me a Christmas present, why should I give them a Laisee ?

[White None]

I take a big Cake - that way I get Cake.

[Trafalgar]

Once many of us cared about the culture of HK/China and that of CX. Now, both are just another casualty of years of neglect and outright attack by management. Lai see? I seem to recall the Captains were the only ones who didn't get anything for 13th month. Maybe this year the packets should be coming in the opposite direction. It's rather ironic and insulting that there is an expectation for us to be seen to share in a tradition that is based on 'prosperity', when everything to do with working for this company evolves in exactly the opposite direction. :rolleyes:

[Shot Nancy]

Lai See used to be the lowest denomination note, HKD20.
First CNY after the introduction of the HKD10 note, yep you guessed it, that became the note in the crew mailbox red packet.

[gulliBell]

Lai See is for children of friends or family.

Having worked in mainland China for 3 years I never saw a single instance of a Lai See packet being handed to anybody at work. The staff usually get washing powder or shampoo or cooking oil from the company, all greatfully received.

[Cpt. Underpants]

I remember Philip Chen going around dispatch one CNY giving laisee to ONLY the local lads and ladies. That's the guideline. Be guided accordingly.

[Scoreboard]

Yep,was disgusted when he walked by....not even a nod.....so over that.

[Dilbert68]

I give $100 each year to the lap sap lady in my building who works very hard for very little money. She is very appreciative and she probably divides it up and gives it to her family or maybe buys a $20 meal.

Give Lai See to the cabin crew? You have got to be joking. They would complain it was too little from the rich Captain no matter how much I put in the red envelope.

Give it to the people you see everyday that need it, there are plenty in HK.

[arse]

If one did choose to give out Lai See, what would the appropriate days be to do so? Thanks.

[Hugo Peroni the IV]

It really is up to you.

I know local Captains who give Lai See for 1 day.
Traditionally, it should be for 15 days but I did that last year and everyone was kinda over Lai See by about day 3 so I think they thought I was a bit strange.

This year, I’m doing 3 days as this seems to fit with the more important celebration days going into the new year.

[clear.right]

https://geoexpat.com/articles/hong-kong-basics/chinese-new-year-lai-see-etiquette

An Expat's Guide to Lai See Etiquette

[Farman Biplane]

You can avoid any concerns/embarrassment/cultural suicide etc around LaiSee giving by just going unfit!

Might help to solve some other problems around here as well.....

[Trafalgar]

If you care about embarrassment about a foreign tradition that is not part of the job description, you are in the wrong job.

[Trash8mofo]

Nothing should be expected and the unexpected should always be appreciated. But by the same token, if the whole lot of you had the unfortunate schedule or seniority having to work on Christmas day, someone buying you an ice cream sure would feel nice.

[Killaroo]

If you care about embarrassment about a foreign tradition that is not part of the job description, you are in the wrong job.

I’ve got news for you.
You’re the :mad: foreigner.
And you’re definitely in the wrong job.

[Trafalgar]

Killaroo. I completely agree with you. None of us belong here anymore. In fact, I go out of my way each day to convince most of the younger pilots that they are wasting their career potential every single day that they delay their employment with a better airline in a better place. As for me, i'll be on my way soon...so no need to worry your pretty little angry vitriolic head.

[kahaha]

Most B scale skippers at KA will be giving out red packets.

Year of the dog. You’re in the Dog house if you dont .

Be happy. Its the only time of year our cabin crew actually appreciate anything .