SIA’s policy of firing its pregnant cabin crew offers food for thought in employment contract clauses

UNTIL mid-July this year, Singapore Girls who became pregnant and declared themselves so would lose their jobs.

Do they get maternity leave? In order to collect eight weeks’ worth of their basic salaries (typically S$1,000+ a month, because the majority of a flight attendant’s pay comes from allowance given to them for layovers and longer journeys), the cabin crew has to submit a note from her gynaecologist confirming her pregnancy. The other eight weeks’ basic pay comes after she submits her new baby’s birth certificate.

And if she wishes to return to flying, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will reassess her suitability to do so – questions to ask might include: has she taken too many days of last-minute medical leave in the past? Is she back in shape? – before offering her a new contract and putting her back on the roster.