A Taiwanese airline has issued an apology following a controversial request for paperwork from a recently deceased employee. The incident involving Eva Air has ignited public anger and prompted a thorough investigation into the airline’s practices and the circumstances surrounding the flight attendant’s death.
The 34-year-old flight attendant, identified by the surname Sun, reportedly fell ill during a flight from Milan to Taiwan earlier this month. She was hospitalized upon arrival and tragically passed away on October 8th. Her death has become a focal point for public concern regarding employee welfare and working conditions, with many speculating that she was overworked.
Adding to the distress, days after her passing, the airline reportedly sent a text message to the deceased employee requesting proof of leave application during the period she was hospitalized. This insensitive action has further fueled the outrage, leading authorities and Eva Air to launch investigations into whether the flight attendant was denied necessary medical assistance or discouraged from taking sick leave.
In response to the growing controversy, Eva Air released a statement expressing deep sadness over Ms. Sun’s death and asserting that employee health and safety are their highest priorities. The airline stated it had maintained contact with her family and is conducting a comprehensive review of the situation.
Colleagues have anonymously shared concerns on social media, suggesting that Ms. Sun may have been pressured to continue working despite feeling unwell. While the exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed by the hospital, flight records from the past six months indicate Ms. Sun was flying an average of 75 hours per month, which is within the regulatory limits.
Eva Air officials acknowledged the text message as a “mistake by an internal employee” and offered personal apologies to the family. The airline’s president expressed that Ms. Sun’s departure is a “pain in our hearts forever” and pledged a responsible approach to the investigation.
Reports suggest that Eva Air has faced multiple fines since 2013, primarily related to issues concerning staff working overtime, highlighting potential systemic concerns within the company.
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