Statement from Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation

中文版：https://hkerspressroom.politics.blog/2019/08/10/148/

Statement by the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation regarding the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s decision to impose a major aviation safety risk warning to Cathay Pacific

The Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation (“CCF”) expresses our deepest regrets regarding the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”) ‘s decision to impose a major aviation safety risk warning to Cathay Pacific. Article 27 of the Basic Law guarantees that “Hong Kong residents enjoy the 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.” The CAAC, a national instituteorganisation, shall respect Hong Kong people’s rights and freedom, granted by the Basic Law , based on the principle of One Country, Two Systems. It is unacceptable for the CAAC to set up arbitrary policies that restrain Hong Kong citizens from legally exercising their rights and freedom and to violate the principle of One Country, Two System.

As part of the Hong Kong community, members of CCF stand united with the people. We upholdmaintain utmost professionalism in our service to travellers and the discharge of our duties. Every single one of us has received intensive training, and is determined to ensure flight safety. As members of the aviation industry, we do not advocate for the use of violence. We are saddened by the social division in Hong Kong due to political issues.

All who participated in the demonstrations are passionate members of the aviation industry. Their goal is to inform travellers at the airport of Hong Kong’s current situation, and to express their hope that the HKSAR Government will respond to Hongkongers’ demands! Every demonstration our members attended was peaceful and rational. Yesterday, the Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways said in a press conference that he respected every staff member’s right to freedom of speech and of assembly. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental legal right as enshrined in the Basic Law – it is precisely the freedom of assembly that is one of Hong Kong’s greatest treasures. 

As a labour union, we have always fought for our members’ rights; no matter what, we will always stand up for our right to equal treatment! And as Hong Kong citizens, we all have a responsibility to defend Hong Kong’s core values and fight for justice. 

We have completed faith in each and every single member of our Federation to uphold and adhere to the principle of aviation safety, and to be assiduous in performing his/her duties.

The Federation urges Cathay Pacific and all stakeholders in the aviation industry to stand with all workers of the aviation industry through the challenges brought about by the current anti-extradition bill saga.

Original: http://bit.ly/2KzFlQI