A labor group has accused Cathay Pacific Airways of being ageist for forcing its Hong Kong cabin crew members to retire at age 55 while most other employees are allowed to work until 65.
The Hong Kong-based carrier recently conducted an online survey of cabin crew asking if they would like to extend the current mandatory retirement age to 60, HK01 reports. However, the survey stressed that management would come to the table for further discussions only if more than 5,000 of its 9,000 cabin crew voted “yes” for the notion.
The Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation took aim at the survey yesterday, slamming it as a “fake consultation”.
According to the Federation, the retirement age of Cathay Pacific’s office employees now stands at 60, while pilots and the majority of its other workers retire when they hit 65.
Federation spokeswoman Carol Ng further questioned why a cap of 55 years of age was in place for only those cabin crews hired in Hong Kong while those hired overseas were allowed to retire according to their own countries’ regulatory policies and argued for the institution of a standard retirement age.
Former legislative councillor and Secretary General of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions Lee Cheuk-yan also weighed in, pointing out that Hongkongers are unable retrieve their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) until they reach 65.
“How can they possibly make a living after 55 when they are forced to retire?” Apple Daily quoted him as asking.
Both Lee’s trade union group and the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation are calling for a dialogue with Cathay Pacific, urging them to explain the “ageist” policy. The two will also meet with the Equal Opportunities Commission over a possible ordinance addressing ageism.
The Federation, meanwhile, is calling on all Cathay Pacific cabin crew members to vote for the proposed extension of the retirement age.
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