SIA to retain cabin crew after they give birth, in change to longstanding practice

Singapore Airlines air stewardesses are now able to apply for temporary ground positions when they get pregnant and return to flying after giving birth. The move stops its longstanding practice of effectively ending cabin crew’s contracts when they are with child. An SIA circular seen by The Straits Times showed that the new policy has been in place since July 15, which it said is meant “to further support our cabin crew during and after their pregnancy”. It spells the end of a practice that has been criticised by women’s groups as unjustifiable even a decade ago. Observers said a global manpower shortage in the sector is likely the rationale for the change, as companies are forced to retain existing staff to reduce the load on training new recruits. Before the change, SIA air stewardesses were placed on no-pay leave upon declaring that they are pregnant, and forced to leave the company the day after they submit their child’s birth certificate. No temporary ground job placements were made available while the crew was pregnant. To fly again later, she had to reapply to SIA under a returning crew scheme, which does not guarantee her re-employment. Now, crew will still be placed on no-pay leave, but will be able to apply for ground positions in the company, in areas such as administrative work, handling of passenger feedback and requests via e-mail, content creation and event management.<br/>