A female MTR staff member, dressed in her uniform, was recently filmed smoking an electronic cigarette in a public area, igniting a flurry of reactions on social media. The incident raised questions about whether her actions breached the MTR staff code of conduct.
The footage, shared on the social media platform Threads, shows the woman wearing an MTR jacket and holding a bag of items on a city street.
As she was surrounded by other pedestrians, she was seen taking out an e-cigarette and exhaling smoke. The video captures her as she was about to take another puff.
This incident led to a widespread online discussion. It was speculated that since she was only wearing an MTR jacket, she might be a train services assistant.
Many netizens expressed their views, suggesting that staff members should have the freedom to smoke after work hours and found it unusual for such an incident to be posted online. They also questioned the legality of possessing and using e-cigarettes.
However, some argued that, according to the MTR’s Code of Conduct, smoking in public while wearing the company uniform could indeed violate company rules.
The MTR’s code clearly states that the company maintains a strict no-smoking policy within all its premises and employees should not smoke in public places while in uniform, even outside company premises.
While many netizens acknowledged the right to smoke, they opined that it should be done after working hours and without wearing the company uniform.
Responding to the incident, a spokesperson for the MTR Corporation emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive image in customer service.
The spokesperson clarified that employees are permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas within company premises or in outdoor areas where smoking is not prohibited, during breaks or when it does not interfere with their duties.
However, the policy strictly prohibits employees in uniform from smoking in public places under any circumstances.
The company assured that any violations of this policy would be addressed according to established procedures.
