Trade union members in Hong Kong rallied Wednesday against the city's flagship Cathay Pacific airline for firing employees apparently because of links to this summer's ongoing pro-democracy protests.
A banner behind a stage in a central public square read “Revoke termination” and “Stop terrorizing CX staff,” referring to the airline by its code.
Cathay has confirmed the dismissal of several employees in the past two weeks. It has said given various reasons, such as a pilot who misused company information or another who is in legal proceedings, without mentioning the protests. One Cathay pilot was charged with rioting during a protest.
Chinese aviation authorities have pressured Cathay by banning staff from mainland flights if they support “illegal protests.” China's central government has been sharply critical of the protests in the semi-autonomous territory.
Source : VOA