In response to media enquiries about the restructuring of Cathay Pacific Group, a spokesman for the Labour Department (LD) today (October 21) expressed deep concern and called upon the group to maintain effective communication with its employees over employment termination matters with appropriate arrangements.
      
     The spokesman continued, "The employer should consult and secure consent from its employees prior to varying the terms of their employment contracts. Failing to do so may constitute unreasonable variation of the employment contractual terms. Employees may make claims for remedies against the employer under the Employment Ordinance (EO)."
      
     The LD stands ready to render assistance to affected employees, who may call the LD's dedicated hotlines (3580 1442 and 3580 1443) for enquiries on their employment rights and benefits under the EO. They may also approach the LD's Labour Relations Division offices (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/tele/lr1.htm) for assistance.
      
     A dedicated employment services hotline (3428 2943) has also been set up for employees of the Cathay Pacific Group to answer enquiries on employment services. In addition, special service counters have been set up at the LD's 13 job centres (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/tele/es3.htm) to provide priority registration and employment services for them. 

Ends/Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:10

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