EVA Airways today confirmed the death of a flight attendant on Saturday upon their return to Taiwan and said an internal investigation has been launched, as criticism mounted over a social media post accusing the airline of failing to offer sufficient employee protections.
According to the post, the flight attendant complained of feeling sick on board a flight, but was unable to take sick leave or access medical care.
The crew member allegedly did not receive assistance from the chief purser, who failed to heed their requests for medical attention or call an ambulance once the flight landed, the post said.
Photo: Tsai Yung-jung, Taipei Times
As sick leave, personal leave and annual leave can affect performance reviews, promotions and end-of-year bonuses, many flight attendants feel like they are unable to request time off, the post said.
Hopefully, this tragedy would make airline companies listen to the needs of their staff, it added.
EVA Airways expressed its deepest sympathies and said it had been in contact with the attendant’s family since they were admitted to a hospital.
The airline said it received news of the attendant’s passing on Saturday.
An internal investigation remains ongoing, it said, vowing to continue to assist the family.
The Taoyuan Flight Attendants’ Union called for a thorough investigation into whether the crew member faced any difficulties or obstructions when seeking help prior to their death.
The union on Facebook said it hopes airlines would show more empathy and kindness to all staffers who fall ill.
Flight attendants face many stressors and risks, including overnight shifts, overworking, and exposure to different atmospheric pressures and UV radiation, with many suffering from weakened immune systems and chronic health issues, it added.
EVA Airways says it does not require sick employees to work, although its leave policies remain “relatively strict,” the union said.
The Taoyuan Office of Labor Inspection said that it dispatched personnel to EVA Airways at 10:30am today to investigate, although it has received no reports or complaints thus far.
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