Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy said in a statement that the new rules were
agreed in negotiations between the airline and its workers’ union last month.
<p>Under the old provisions, female flight attendants faced the sack if they had
more than two children and were forced to retire once hitting the age of 40
to 45 depending on rank.</p>
<p>Women’s rights groups have urged the airline to review its working conditions,
particularly the retirement age of 45, the limit on children and maternity benefits.</p>
<p>Besides being allowed to have one more child, stewardesses over the age of
45 can now move into ground jobs and work up to the age of 55.</p>
<p>Malaysia Airline policies on hiring female flight attendants were highlighted
by the case of a former stewardess, Beatrice Fernandez, who was sacked in 1991
after she refused to resign for falling pregnant.</p>
<p>After a nearly 14-year legal battle, Malaysia’s highest court in March rejected
her petition to review the airline’s working conditions, although they were
later amended to allow women to have a maximum of two children.</p>
<p>The case drew criticism from Women, Family and Community Development Minister
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who urged the airline to review its "archaic"
policies. – AFP
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