Cathay Pacific changes course on its workforce

In a change of heart, Cathay Pacific is showing its softer side by offering employees free economy class tickets to boost morale and thank them for “pulling through during the challenging period”.

But at the start of the anti-government protests, Cathay Pacific took a very different stance. In August, it warned staff not to support or join the protests or they would face disciplinary action.

Staff who took part in the troubles or who showed support for the protesters have been suspended, fired and banned from boarding flights since the troubles started in the summer.

But now Cathay Pacific is offering virtually free economy class flights. Staff just need to pay mandatory taxes during the five-month promotion period. The announcement was made in an internal newsletter sent to crew.

Tom Owen, Cathay Pacific’s head of HR, told staff that he hoped the offer would be seen as a “meaningful way to thank you all for your continuing commitment, professionalism and support.”

Morale at Cathay Pacific has been low since its chief executive, Rupert Hogg and long-time chairman John Slosar resigned in the wake of the controversy.