Unknown to so many people, who are each caught up in their own lives, our national carrier is doing so much for Malaysia.
Flying across the skies, our ambassador to so many countries, flying our Jalur Gemilang proudly.
But look a little deeper, and soon you may change your mind.
For one, a country that is so proud of our Malaysia Boleh spirit, most of us have no idea that Malaysia Airlines is carrying so much negative publicity for our country! The one that comes to mind lately was carried by USA today (11 October 2006).
The header " Malaysia Airlines Wins Pregnancy Battle" went on to say that MAS has to revamp its policies after a public outcry over a similar case. This article was echoed in many websites, most others in the industry pertaining to Flight Attendants rights, as well as women's rights groups.
In 'winning' Malaysia Airlines has actually lost! Yes! Now they have proudly told the world that they have no qualms in putting these two women, Beatrice Fernandez and Sheela Devi, out of their jobs, because these two women have opted to have an extended family!
Yes, in truth, MAS has proudly told the world that in Malaysia, we can accept putting the livelihoods of these two women out to pasture simply because they chose to get pregnant. Never mind that Malaysian Law under Section 37(c) of the employment act of 1955 (act265) which guarantees a woman the right to full pay and benefits up to 5 surviving children! Never mind that Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution that clearly states that there shall be no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender which guarantees the right to equal pay and equal rights of work! Never mind that Malaysia is committed to uphold respect and equality for women with its signing of the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW-Article 11) which further states that ALL APPROPRIATE MEASURES must be taken to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure, equality of men and women, the same rights, the right to work as an inalienable right of all human beings!
Are we proud of this? Ask yourself, is this the right thing to do? Is it so wrong for Malaysia Airlines to return these people their rightful jobs? So, what is MAS trying to tell us?
There were some cases (none which can be mentioned) where these Female Flight Attendants have opted to abort their babies unnaturally in order to save their jobs.
Indirectly, such rulings will force the hand of these victims. It is victimisation of these women by enforcing such policies, that defy logic. In truth, the enforcement of this policy is akin to Pro Abortion!
The people in power should right the wrong. By admitting that this policy should not have been there in the first place. By returning these people who have been unjustfully put out of work (mind you, by having officially been dismissed, and on record too, no other employers would want to reconsider them for employment!). Lets tell the whole world that we here in Malaysia do not actually agree to this policy! Better still let's convince MAS Management that they too have mothers!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
What They Have to Say . . .
All these quotes were taken from press clippings previously published (you may click on the link to the archived news at the sidebar to read in detail)
Datuk Zainal Rampak (MTUC President, 2003) "What is wrong with MAS??"
Meera Samanther (WAO President, 2003) "I have one question for the management. ARE THEY ADVOCATING ABORTION?"
Manohary Subramaniam (AWAM , 2003) "In other words, the management is saying that if the stewardess is in dire need of the income, then she will have to ABORT THE BABY. This is an unfair move"
Kamal Surin (MASEU Deputy President 2003) "Other female workers in Malaysia are entitled to and provided for by law to enjoy maternity benefits and protection for up to five children. However in Malaysia Airlines, our female cabin crew are FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEIR JOB AND THEIR BABY. This is clearly against Section 37c of the Employment Act of 1955"
Datuk M Kayveas (Deputy Minister in PM's Department, 2003) "Malaysia Airlines decision to terminate the Chief Stewardess' service shows that they have taken extreme and unfair measures. She should at least be given ground duties."
Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil (Women and Family Development Minister, 2003) "I am concerned as there should be no discrimination."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
At the time of print (2003) there seem to have been a wave of interest in this topic. But, as usual, as time went on, cases like this were just another part of our daily lives. (or so it seems to the rest of us not involved), so what happens if it was your partner who experienced this? Do we just sit back and say, well you should have, etc etc.
Conveniently, Malaysia Airlines is taking its own time in resolving this issue. Currently, its stewardesses are still not accorded the third child privilege, as only a memorandum of understanding, has been signed. It is still not a part of the new agreement. Also conveniently, MAS continues to pride itself of this policy, by claiming VICTORY over Sheela Devi.
Lets see in the near future, if MAS will change its gender biased policy . . .
Oh. . . .is your wife travelling on MAS next week?
Datuk Zainal Rampak (MTUC President, 2003) "What is wrong with MAS??"
Meera Samanther (WAO President, 2003) "I have one question for the management. ARE THEY ADVOCATING ABORTION?"
Manohary Subramaniam (AWAM , 2003) "In other words, the management is saying that if the stewardess is in dire need of the income, then she will have to ABORT THE BABY. This is an unfair move"
Kamal Surin (MASEU Deputy President 2003) "Other female workers in Malaysia are entitled to and provided for by law to enjoy maternity benefits and protection for up to five children. However in Malaysia Airlines, our female cabin crew are FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEIR JOB AND THEIR BABY. This is clearly against Section 37c of the Employment Act of 1955"
Datuk M Kayveas (Deputy Minister in PM's Department, 2003) "Malaysia Airlines decision to terminate the Chief Stewardess' service shows that they have taken extreme and unfair measures. She should at least be given ground duties."
Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil (Women and Family Development Minister, 2003) "I am concerned as there should be no discrimination."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
At the time of print (2003) there seem to have been a wave of interest in this topic. But, as usual, as time went on, cases like this were just another part of our daily lives. (or so it seems to the rest of us not involved), so what happens if it was your partner who experienced this? Do we just sit back and say, well you should have, etc etc.
Conveniently, Malaysia Airlines is taking its own time in resolving this issue. Currently, its stewardesses are still not accorded the third child privilege, as only a memorandum of understanding, has been signed. It is still not a part of the new agreement. Also conveniently, MAS continues to pride itself of this policy, by claiming VICTORY over Sheela Devi.
Lets see in the near future, if MAS will change its gender biased policy . . .
Oh. . . .is your wife travelling on MAS next week?
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Malaysia Airlines=2 Discriminated Stewardeses=0
Malaysia Airlines acted correctly! Screams a title in the local daily, The Star published on the 10th October 2006, in Malaysia.
If you were to read this without knowing the trauma that these Flight Stewardeses have to go through, then perhaps you would agree. This blog intends to paint the actual picture.
FACT: Yes ,Malaysia Airlines now permits their female Cabin Crew to have three surviving children from their pregnancies.
FACT: If you now have a fourth, you will be given a letter to the tune of 'The Baby or your Job'
FACT: The third child policy was only 'loosely' implemented after these high profile cases. (In early 2006 there will be another case to be heard in the Industrial Courts of Kuala Lumpur.
FACT: Malaysian Labour Law Section 37 (c) of the Employment Act of 1955 (Act 265) which guarantees a woman the right to full pay and benefits for up to 5 surviving children.
FACT: The lives of those (unnamed others, Beatrice Fernandez, Sheela Devi) affected by these discriminatory policies have been ruined, financially, emotionally, and along with it the opportunity to live a normal life.(Beatrice spent 14 years battling MAS in the courts, and Sheela spent 8 years)
FACT: The awards that MAS received in the past years are related to Cabin Services, of which 75% are Female Flight Attendants.
FICTION: Maternity benefits that are accorded to its Female Cabin Crew are the same with other female employees.
FICTION: Malaysia Airlines supports anti-abortion stance
I can list many more fact and fictions about this company. But if I do, it will sound more like I have a personal vendetta. Again, this blog wants you to know, you, a possible customer of Malaysia Airlines, if you are not one already, you, who might have friends who already have their itinerary planned on this airline, to reconsider, if you will want to support a commercial corporation like this with your hard earned money, so that they can continue to exploit their female flight attendants, and then tell them that they will no longer have their job, if they choose to have a bigger family.
Think. If we all do, will our children have their future?
Mine does, but at the expense of my wife. . . .
If you were to read this without knowing the trauma that these Flight Stewardeses have to go through, then perhaps you would agree. This blog intends to paint the actual picture.
FACT: Yes ,Malaysia Airlines now permits their female Cabin Crew to have three surviving children from their pregnancies.
FACT: If you now have a fourth, you will be given a letter to the tune of 'The Baby or your Job'
FACT: The third child policy was only 'loosely' implemented after these high profile cases. (In early 2006 there will be another case to be heard in the Industrial Courts of Kuala Lumpur.
FACT: Malaysian Labour Law Section 37 (c) of the Employment Act of 1955 (Act 265) which guarantees a woman the right to full pay and benefits for up to 5 surviving children.
FACT: The lives of those (unnamed others, Beatrice Fernandez, Sheela Devi) affected by these discriminatory policies have been ruined, financially, emotionally, and along with it the opportunity to live a normal life.(Beatrice spent 14 years battling MAS in the courts, and Sheela spent 8 years)
FACT: The awards that MAS received in the past years are related to Cabin Services, of which 75% are Female Flight Attendants.
FICTION: Maternity benefits that are accorded to its Female Cabin Crew are the same with other female employees.
FICTION: Malaysia Airlines supports anti-abortion stance
I can list many more fact and fictions about this company. But if I do, it will sound more like I have a personal vendetta. Again, this blog wants you to know, you, a possible customer of Malaysia Airlines, if you are not one already, you, who might have friends who already have their itinerary planned on this airline, to reconsider, if you will want to support a commercial corporation like this with your hard earned money, so that they can continue to exploit their female flight attendants, and then tell them that they will no longer have their job, if they choose to have a bigger family.
Think. If we all do, will our children have their future?
Mine does, but at the expense of my wife. . . .
Why this blog? Help stop Discrimination by Malaysia Airlines
In this day and age, most governments have neutral policies, enabling their citizens irrespective of sex to carry on their daily lives with equal opportunities (at least that is what we have been told).
This blog will show you that such is NOT THE CASE with MAS (MALAYSIA AIRLINES and the author will be avilable to questions pertaining to this particular case). In coming days, you will see and be convinced through evidence that such an organisation, Malaysia Airlines, with dintinctive Industry awards, still openly practise this.
In our daily lives, we are each caught up in our own little battles. But ever so often, one comes along which you can actually help better, prevent it fot the future of the next generation.
Being judged is always going to a part of any dominating issue, however, if it is to be concurred, let it be done to the letter of the law. What irks me is that there seems to be two different set of laws! It was told to me that going public, making press statements, and the likes of it will be detrimental to the case. In this blog, I am not going to highlight this case, but those that have already been judges and verdict applied!
Ask yourself this, what if this happened to , say, your sister? Wife? Sister-in-law? Daughter?
Daughter-in-law? I suppose the general feeling is that, it didnt happen to any of the above which is related to me, then it becomes just another article? Picture this . . .in future, this is then accepted, and they post this question, abort your child or save your job! . . . .and this question is aimed at you!
muststopthis.blogspot.com
This blog will show you that such is NOT THE CASE with MAS (MALAYSIA AIRLINES and the author will be avilable to questions pertaining to this particular case). In coming days, you will see and be convinced through evidence that such an organisation, Malaysia Airlines, with dintinctive Industry awards, still openly practise this.
In our daily lives, we are each caught up in our own little battles. But ever so often, one comes along which you can actually help better, prevent it fot the future of the next generation.
Being judged is always going to a part of any dominating issue, however, if it is to be concurred, let it be done to the letter of the law. What irks me is that there seems to be two different set of laws! It was told to me that going public, making press statements, and the likes of it will be detrimental to the case. In this blog, I am not going to highlight this case, but those that have already been judges and verdict applied!
Ask yourself this, what if this happened to , say, your sister? Wife? Sister-in-law? Daughter?
Daughter-in-law? I suppose the general feeling is that, it didnt happen to any of the above which is related to me, then it becomes just another article? Picture this . . .in future, this is then accepted, and they post this question, abort your child or save your job! . . . .and this question is aimed at you!
muststopthis.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)