May 25, 2023 Union highlights ‘extremely low morale at Cathay Pacific’ The airline industry is a fast-paced and demanding workplace, and its employees are no exception. Working for an airline can be an incredibly rewarding job, but it can also present unique challenges. Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s leading airline, is now facing a serious morale issue that could negatively affect its operation. The Flight Attendants Union (FAU) has revealed that Cathay Pacific staff have reported “extremely low morale”, opening up an important dialogue about the future of the airline. 1. Unhappiness in the Cockpit at Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s most popular airlines, has been struggling with recent reports of waning pilot morale. Pilots of the airline have been described as “unhappy” and “overlooked”, with even long-time employees feeling neglected. For years, pilots of the airline have had to contend with long hours, unusual flight times, and meager wages. Even those highly experienced in the airline’s demanding operations have had to resort to drastic cost-cutting measures to make ends meet. It is no wonder, then, that many pilots have become disillusioned with their jobs and the airline’s management. The lack of job satisfaction, combined with a lack of communication from above, has left many pilots discontented. It seems that Cathay Pacific must take efforts to help its pilots not only feel more appreciated, but also more engaged with the airline. To this end, the airline must work to create an environment that makes its pilots feel more valued and involved in the company’s operations. 2. Stress of the Skies: Low Morale at the Hong Kong Airline Stress levels and morale have taken a hit for the Hong Kong airline. From flight attendants and pilots to engineer, staff morale has never been so low. This is due to both the pressure of the long hours and the public backlash for their involvement in the China extradition bill protests. Flight attendants expect to work long, unpredictable hours, often with no break. Due to the protests, attendants have to deal with delayed flights, as well as passengers that are overly hostile to their political messages. On top of this, pilots have to contend with the harsh restrictions of the Chinese government, such as the imposition of a no-fly zone over certain areas. Flight attendants face long hours and hostile passengers. Pilots have to contend with the harsh restrictions from the Chinese government. All of these occurrences are adding to an overall sense of unease at the Hong Kong airline and their staff, causing them to have low morale as a result. Whether the airline can survive this period of disruption remains to be seen. 3. What’s at Stake: The Cathay Pacific Union Speaks Out The Cathay Pacific Union is advocating for improved workers’ rights and benefits. This is a significant step forward for the organization, as their collective voice serves as a reminder of the importance of corporate responsibility. They’re pointing out the crucial role they play in the airline’s success and how they need to be compensated fairly and looked after accordingly. The Cathay Pacific Union’s requests include a range of issues, such as better wages, more job security, and increased wages. They’re pressing for the airline to reconsider the outlook of their workforce and the treatment of their employees. Furthermore, the union is calling for an agreement between them and the management so that the airline can remain competitive and meet the needs of its staff. Opportunity for career progression Improved work-life balance Greater transparency in decision-making 4. Examining Cathay’s Troubles and Hopes for Improvement Cathay Pacific has seen its fair share of turbulence in recent times. Challenges it faces include: Uphill competition from low-cost airlines Global recession that has impacted air traffic Rising fuel costs These have caused some serious ramifications for Cathay, including its profit margins taking a nosedive, its stock price declining and a substantial layoff of staff in 2019. This has left the company in a much more vulnerable position than before. In spite of these challenges, however, there is a global sense of hope that the airline will continue to bounce back. Steps for Improvement can include: Testing of new e-commerce strategies to increase revenue Adding of value-added services to attract customers Adoption of technology for cost-savings throughout the business Cathay Pacific has a long road ahead, but if these steps are taken, there is hope that the airline can return to its former glory. The longstanding cultural issues at Cathay Pacific seem unlikely to improve soon, as the airline industry struggles and the Union claims that morale remains at an all-time low. With the situation looking far from promising, the only thing that can be done is for the airline to continue to strive for an improved atmosphere in the workplace. We can only hope that through this turbulent time, Cathay Pacific will come through the other side with a renewed sense of energy and morale among all levels of staff. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related Business Travel Tips