Strike looms amid six cases

Cathay Dragon flight attendants warned they would consider strike action if the airline does not stop flying to coronavirus-hit mainland destinations.

This came as six of Cathay Dragon's crew members were quarantined after close contact with passengers infected with the novel coronavirus last month.

A members' meeting of Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Flight Attendants Association will take place on Saturday to discuss industrial action ahead of a motion to decide if a strike will be launched.

At least six crew members have been quarantined so far, while more were told to isolate themselves at home.

"Front-line colleagues are extremely upset and scared," the union said.

"It's because they worked with colleagues who were on flights of the confirmed cases."

Staff were also concerned about having to work on flights with patients and contracting the coronavirus, it stated.

The union said it had an urgent meeting with the management on Wednesday to demand the suspension of all flights stopping on the mainland.

It also requested the company stop using reusable objects on the flights and simplify services to reduce contact.

But the management responded that it would only gradually halve the number of flights.

The union believes that the outbreak is on the verge of becoming uncontrollable and urged Cathay Dragon to stop all mainland flights, taking into consideration a insufficient supply of protective equipment.

In response, a Cathay spokeswoman said the airline has temporarily modified in-flight services and minimized overnight stays in the mainland for the crew as much as possible.

"We endeavor to ensure there are sufficient surgical masks for in-flight use and we only uplift surgical masks for such use. Crew can also use gloves and antiseptic wipes," she said.

Cathay has also modified meal services and stopped offering amenities such as hot towels, pillows and blankets.