IATA Hong Kong,
Unit 1505, 15th Floor,
Sunlight Tower,
No.248 Queen’s Road East,
Wanchai, Hong Kong (SAR)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing an email to express my concern for Cathay Pacific Airways (IATA code:CX) is political repressed by Chinese authority.
Hong Kong has been under spotlight in the past two months for protesting against a proposed legislation, the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, which potentially threatens local citizens and foreign travelers who are suspected of committing offence listed in this ordinance by Chinese Government. This proposed legislation allows transferring of any suspects to Mainland China.
Over two million of protestors in Hong Kong walked on the streets on demonstration and expressed their demands peacefully. Protestors also tried different measures such as strikes for voicing their opinions out. Cathay's crucial role came into focus much more recently. More than a thousand of its employees participated in a strike that forced the airline to cancel over 150 flights. Days later, Chinese Government forced Cathay Pacific CEO to give names of staff joining Hong Kong protest with a threat that does not allowing planes of Cathay Pacific flies over China. Yet CEO refused to do that. Cathay is solely grappling with threats from Chinese Government. As a result, Cathay had terminated two pilots in association with activities related to the protests and the company announced that CEO Rupert Hogg and Chief Commercial Officer Paul Loo were out on 16th Aug. The latest
According to the article 27 in Hong Kong Basic Law, Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech, of the press and of publication; freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration; and the right and freedom to form and join trade unions, and to strike. Hong Kong and Chinese government ignored that article which entitles all Hong Kong citizens to have right to participate strikes. More terribly, Cathay Pacific continuous looking for staff who took part in protest and dismiss them under the threat of Chinese Government.
Aviation brings benefits to national and global economies. None of aviation companies should be threatened by authority. IATA, as the largest representation of aviation industry, should stand out with the employees of Cathay Pacific. We sincerely wish you to condemn China’s interference that violates International Air Service Transit Agreement