Cathay Clips Wings Of Employees Over Protests

Cathay Pacific warned its staff on Monday that they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests" in their personal capacity, as the airline comes under pressure from Beijing.

The warning in a message to staff from chief executive Rupert Hogg also specifically warned employees not to support or participate in a new protest at Hong Kong airport called for Monday.

In the message, Hogg wrote, "Cathay Pacific Group has a zero tolerance attitude to illegal activities," and "there will be disciplinary consequences for employees who support or participate in illegal protests."

It added, "These consequences could be serious and may include termination of employment."

Cathay also said "actions and words of our employees made outside of office hours can have a significant effect on the company" which could be seen as representing the airline's position.

The message came after Beijing's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, banned Cathay staff supporting the protests from flights going through mainland airspace.

Hogg also accused staff of disclosing confidential business information, violating the airline's code of conduct.

Two Cathay staff accused by the company of misconduct were recently sacked by Hong Kong's flagship carrier. (additional reporting by AFP)