TOXIC WORKPLACE?
Flight attendants face penalties for taking leave, a union said, urging EVA to guarantee leave would not impact evaluations or scheduling rights
EVA Airways yesterday outlined possible policy changes following an internal investigation into the death of a flight attendant this month, who was allegedly forced to work even though she was ill.
The airline said it is considering a new rule requiring chief and deputy pursers, who oversee flight attendants onboard the aircraft, to relieve any cabin crew member deemed unfit for duty and to report the situation to the company.
Under the proposal, a crew member who feels unwell would be sent back to Taiwan as a passenger, while other crew on the flight would receive a bonus for taking on extra work.
Photo: Taipei Times
The airline said it also plans to revise its job performance review system by the end of the year to “allow margin for sick leave,” but did not say what measures would be implemented.
The company made the announcement following the death of a 34-year-old flight attendant surnamed Sun (孫), who reportedly fell ill while working a round-trip flight between Taipei and Milan late last month and died on Oct. 10 after returning to Taiwan.
EVA said its investigation found that the purser on the flight “failed to use available medical resources” or report Sun’s condition to the pilots and the company due to “a lack of knowledge,” delaying her access to medical care.
The airline said it would more clearly inform flight attendants about manager contacts and ambulance fee coverage at foreign destinations, adding that some were unaware of these details.
An “open platform” disclosing the information would be created as well, it added.
The Taoyuan Flight Attendant Union responded to EVA’s statement via a social media post yesterday, accusing the company of failing to address the structural pressures that led the flight attendant to work while she was ill and for not adequately reflecting on its workplace culture.
Flight attendants face multiple penalties for taking any kind of leave, such as deductions in performance scores and restrictions on flight scheduling, with even harsher penalties during national holidays, it said.
EVA’s report only vaguely promised to adjust its evaluation system, the union said, adding that it was concerned that the airline’s delay in making changes could be a ploy to defuse criticism.
It urged EVA to negotiate with the union and guarantee that taking a leave would not impact employee evaluations or scheduling rights.
The two sides have so far held only one meeting.
