A serious inquiry has been initiated following the death of a flight attendant who was reportedly compelled to continue working despite falling ill mid-flight. Eva Air, headquartered in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and operating international routes, is currently probing claims that a senior supervisor neglected the critical condition of a crew member during a flight from Italy to Taipei last month, according to local news sources.
Crew members have alleged that the unnamed flight attendant was pressured to remain on duty throughout the long-haul journey in September, even as their health deteriorated significantly. Additional reports indicate that the inflight supervisor neither sought medical intervention during the flight nor arranged for emergency medical personnel to meet the aircraft upon landing.
This investigation follows widespread backlash on social media, where the incident quickly gained attention. An anonymous cabin crew member commented, “This tragedy is not an isolated incident but reflects a deep-rooted and ongoing disregard for the well-being of airline staff.”
The incident has ignited protests, with unionized flight attendants gathering at Taipei’s Legislative Yuan, holding white flowers and signs while chanting, “Life is invaluable; requesting leave is not a crime.” The airline faces intense scrutiny over policies that reportedly penalize employees for taking sick leave or personal time off, linking absences directly to performance evaluations.
Lee Yi-han, a flight attendant with EVA Airways, revealed to the Taipei Times that the company enforces a point-based system where sick leave results in point deductions, with absences during public holidays like Lunar New Year incurring the harshest penalties.
Focus Taiwan reported that the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crew member’s death. During a meeting on October 13th, the union emphasized the need for Eva Air to address unresolved questions about the employee’s request to cease working during the flight. They also called for scrutiny into whether the supervisor’s conduct constituted workplace bullying.
Eva Air stated it was only notified of the employee’s passing on October 11th and confirmed it is providing support to the family of the deceased. Meanwhile, the Taoyuan City Office of Labour Inspection announced it will conduct its own separate investigation into the matter.
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