‘Fear is spreading.’ Employees expose culture of fear at Hong Kong’s flagship airline

Rebecca Wright
By Rebecca Wright and Andrew Stevens, CNN
Updated 2:26 AM EDT, Mon September 30, 2019
World News
A Cathay Pacific passenger plane takes off from Hong Kong's international airport on March 13, 2019. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
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During the week, Ricky pilots passenger jets traveling around the world for one of Hong Kong’s flagship airlines, Cathay Pacific. But when the weekend arrives, he sheds his pilot cap and blazer in exchange for a face mask and helmet, and goes out to join the anti-government protests which have dominated the semi-autonomous Chinese city over the past four months.

Ricky spoke to CNN using a pseudonym on condition of anonymity. He says his double life as a pilot and a protester is exhausting, but he says it’s worth the risk to be part of what he sees as a battle to save his city.

“I (had) been acting as a so-called ‘aggressive’ protester,” Ricky says. “My role was to extinguish all the tear gas, in order to protect other citizens and protesters as well.”

But recently, Ricky says he has changed his role from a frontline protester to a first aid volunteer. The threat of losing his job loomed large following Cathay’s decision to implement stringent new rules outlawing staff from attending any protests deemed “illegal” by authorities.

“Fear is spreading,” Ricky says. “You can tell the company is being torn apart and starting to break down.”

A Cathay Pacific employee walks past a row of self check-in counters at the international airport in Hong Kong on March 15, 2017. Hong Kong's troubled flagship airline Cathay Pacific swung to a 74 million USD loss in 2016, the firm said March 15, citing "intense competition" from rival carriers. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
A Cathay Pacific employee walks past a row of self check-in counters at the international airport in Hong Kong on March 15, 2017. Hong Kong's troubled flagship airline Cathay Pacific swung to a 74 million USD loss in 2016, the firm said March 15, citing "intense competition" from rival carriers. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images

Cathay Pacific's crisis just got even uglier

Staff morale is at an all-time low, he says. Everybody is paranoid. “Basically, I think there’s no trust between crews and office staff as well right now, everybody (is) scared,” he says.

Cathay Pacific – an iconic Hong Kong brand – has come under scrutiny from China after months of protests in the city, which were sparked by a proposed extradition bill with China but have morphed into a broader anti-government movement. Three of the biggest marches brought more than a million people onto the streets, according to organizers. Dozens of smaller protests have been held throughout the summer, many of them turning violent, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets, and protesters throwing bricks and petrol bombs.

In mid-August, Cathay announced they would be adhering to a new directive issued by China’s Civil Aviation Administration which banned employees from working on flights in China if they supported “illegal protests.” In the same week, several days of protests at Hong Kong’s International Airport ended in chaos, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of Cathay flights. Cathay’s CEO, Rupert Hogg, and Paul Loo, the chief commercial officer stepped down a few days later.

On August 28, Cathay Pacific issued a revised version of its employee Code of Conduct, seen by CNN, which includes sections on social media posts, and encourages employees to “speak up” if they see breaches of the code as part of a “whistleblowing” policy.

Since then, Cathay staff tell CNN that dozens of people have been fired from the company.

In response to a request from CNN, Cathay Pacific said that every staff dismissal is made in accordance with relevant employment contracts. Their statement added that the company is required to follow the regulations “prescribed by the authorities in mainland China…there is no ground for compromise.”

Protesters take part in a rally to support Cathay Pacific staff in Hong Kong after some of the airline's staff were sacked for supporting opposition to a controversal extradition bill.
Protesters take part in a rally to support Cathay Pacific staff in Hong Kong after some of the airline's staff were sacked for supporting opposition to a controversal extradition bill.
PHILIP FONG/AFP/Getty Images

Whistleblowing culture

Now, the mood at the company is “very somber,” according to another Cathay pilot, Jack, who also spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity.

“The majority are extremely supportive of the movement, but not all,” Jack says.

Those who aren’t, he adds, are now denouncing their colleagues.

“Some cabin crew support the government, and have given fellow workers’ names to the company who have talked about supporting the protests and thence been terminated,” Jack says. “The company has actively asked for whistleblowers to come forward, creating a divide amongst fellow employees.”

The result, he says, is an increasing culture of fear.

“Everyone has deleted chat groups and social media (profiles) that have any mention of the protests,” Jack says. “The cabin crew don’t even want to talk about the protests in the open, let alone admit they attend protests.”

A Cathay Pacific passenger plane makes its descent before landing at Hong Kong's international airport on August 16, 2017. The city's flagship airline Cathay Pacific was expected to announce its half-year results later in the day. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
A Cathay Pacific passenger plane makes its descent before landing at Hong Kong's international airport on August 16, 2017. The city's flagship airline Cathay Pacific was expected to announce its half-year results later in the day. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images

The week that Cathay Pacific surrendered to China

Over the past few months, Cathay flights landing in China have also become subject to extra inspections by airport officials, Jack says.

“Checking every safety compliance of our aircraft in China is now very common,” he says. “They are intense and stressful for crew.”

Crew members are also going through extra scrutiny when they arrive in mainland China, he adds.

“Security checks have increased in intensity, personal phones have been inspected,” Jack says. “Crew now leave their phone at home or take a second ‘China’ phone to work.”

Many workers at Cathay have a name for this increasing unease: ‘white terror.’ They say it is seeping into every aspect of the business.

“In terms of the white terror, I would say it feels unsafe, it’s uncertain,” Cathay staff member Paul tells CNN, on condition of anonymity. “We wouldn’t know if it’s our last day today, because tomorrow when we come in, we may not even be able to get into the building anymore.”

The phrase ‘white terror’ dates back to the French Revolution, and is often used to describe the mass persecution of dissidents in political crackdowns, including Taiwan’s decades of martial law until 1987.

Paul believes that Cathay’s drive to encourage whistleblowing has hallmarks of Chinese-style communism.

“(It) is almost like China’s cultural revolution, you encourage people to sell out their peers,” he says. “People can take your words or take your things out of context and they can still report you.”

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Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
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Ivan Cheung/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vernon Yuen/Getty Images
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25.
Police fire blue dye toward protesters in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 20. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Police fire blue dye toward protesters in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 20. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
A pro-democracy protester is arrested by police on October 20.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A pro-democracy protester is arrested by police on October 20.
Pro-democracy lawmakers protest as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivers a speech at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, October 16. Lam's annual policy address <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/16/asia/hong-kong-protests-explosives-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">ended in chaos</a> as pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly disrupted her speech and heckled her with calls to honor the demands of anti-government protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Pro-democracy lawmakers protest as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivers a speech at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, October 16. Lam's annual policy address ended in chaos as pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly disrupted her speech and heckled her with calls to honor the demands of anti-government protesters.
A protester shoots a basketball at a poster of Lam during a rally on Tuesday, October 15.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A protester shoots a basketball at a poster of Lam during a rally on Tuesday, October 15.
Protesters set fire to a Bank of China branch on Sunday, October 13. It was the 19th consecutive weekend of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Protesters set fire to a Bank of China branch on Sunday, October 13. It was the 19th consecutive weekend of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Protesters use the lights on their phones during a rally in central Hong Kong's business district.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Protesters use the lights on their phones during a rally in central Hong Kong's business district.
A protester attempts to break a tourist bus window on October 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A protester attempts to break a tourist bus window on October 13.
Protesters wearing masks in defiance of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/04/asia/hong-kong-face-mask-ban-meeting-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">a recently imposed ban</a> gather at a shopping mall on October 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters wearing masks in defiance of a recently imposed ban gather at a shopping mall on October 13.
Supporters surround a police bus carrying political activist Edward Leung as it leaves the High Court in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 9. Several hundred masked protesters gathered at Hong Kong's High Court for the appeal hearing of Leung, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/11/asia/edward-leung-hong-kong-jailed-intl/index.html" target="_blank">who was sentenced to six years in prison</a> for his part in a violent clash with police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Supporters surround a police bus carrying political activist Edward Leung as it leaves the High Court in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 9. Several hundred masked protesters gathered at Hong Kong's High Court for the appeal hearing of Leung, who was sentenced to six years in prison for his part in a violent clash with police.
A woman is treated after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on October 7.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
A woman is treated after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on October 7.
Pro-democracy protesters gather in a shopping mall on October 7.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters gather in a shopping mall on October 7.
Rescue personnel check the bottom of a taxi after the driver allegedly drove onto the pavement, hitting protesters in Hong Kong on October 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Rescue personnel check the bottom of a taxi after the driver allegedly drove onto the pavement, hitting protesters in Hong Kong on October 6.
A China Construction Bank is seen vandalized in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A China Construction Bank is seen vandalized in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area.
People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Laurel Chor/Getty Images
People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
Protesters move a statue depicting a protester armed with gas mask, helmet and umbrella on the streets of Hong Kong on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters move a statue depicting a protester armed with gas mask, helmet and umbrella on the streets of Hong Kong on October 4.
Protesters set a fire at a China Construction Bank.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters set a fire at a China Construction Bank.
Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
A store is in shambles after being vandalized by protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Laurel Chor/Getty Images
A store is in shambles after being vandalized by protesters.
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their hands to symbolize their five demands during a rally on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFPGetty Images
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their hands to symbolize their five demands during a rally on October 4.
Protesters throw petrol bombs at the gate to the Tsuen Wan police station on Wednesday, October 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Protesters throw petrol bombs at the gate to the Tsuen Wan police station on Wednesday, October 2.
Schoolmates of a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/01/asia/hong-kong-oct-1-protests-escalation-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">student who was shot in the chest by police</a> place their hands on their chests during a protest on October 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Schoolmates of a student who was shot in the chest by police place their hands on their chests during a protest on October 2.
A young protester was shot Tuesday, October 1, as violent protests erupted across Hong Kong on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The incident marked a major escalation in violence that could galvanize the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Editorial Board, CityU SU/Reuters
A young protester was shot Tuesday, October 1, as violent protests erupted across Hong Kong on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The incident marked a major escalation in violence that could galvanize the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Police detain an anti-government protester on October 1. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Police detain an anti-government protester on October 1. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies.
Police tackle and arrest pro-democracy protesters during clashes on October 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Police tackle and arrest pro-democracy protesters during clashes on October 1.
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street on October 1. While events in Beijing were being held to mark the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/01/world/gallery/china-70th-anniversary/index.html" target="_blank">70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,</a> demonstrators rallied throughout Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street on October 1. While events in Beijing were being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, demonstrators rallied throughout Hong Kong.
Protesters react after police fired tear gas near the central government offices in Hong Kong's Admiralty area on October 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters react after police fired tear gas near the central government offices in Hong Kong's Admiralty area on October 1.
Pro-democracy protesters form a "Pepe the Frog" themed human chain on Monday, September 30.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters form a "Pepe the Frog" themed human chain on Monday, September 30.
A man is detained by Hong Kong police during a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Sunday, September 29.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A man is detained by Hong Kong police during a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Sunday, September 29.
Bus passengers look at a burning barricade lit by pro-democracy protesters in front of the Mong Kok police station on Sunday, September 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Bus passengers look at a burning barricade lit by pro-democracy protesters in front of the Mong Kok police station on Sunday, September 22.
Pro-democracy protesters sing songs and chant slogans during a rally inside a shopping mall on September 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters sing songs and chant slogans during a rally inside a shopping mall on September 22.
A pro-China supporter, center, is escorted by police after confronting journalists in Hong Kong on September 15.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A pro-China supporter, center, is escorted by police after confronting journalists in Hong Kong on September 15.
Pro-government and anti-government supporters chant against one another at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, September 13. The sign translates to "Stop violence and curb chaos; safeguard Hong Kong."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters
Pro-government and anti-government supporters chant against one another at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, September 13. The sign translates to "Stop violence and curb chaos; safeguard Hong Kong."
Demonstrators hold up their cell phone lights as they form a human chain at the Peak, a tourist spot in Hong Kong, on September 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Demonstrators hold up their cell phone lights as they form a human chain at the Peak, a tourist spot in Hong Kong, on September 13.
Police escort an injured man after he attacked protesters outside Prince Edward station in Hong Kong on Friday, September 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Police escort an injured man after he attacked protesters outside Prince Edward station in Hong Kong on Friday, September 6.
Protesters burn paper money to pay their respects to injured protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters burn paper money to pay their respects to injured protesters.
Protesters prepare to clash with police outside the Mong Kok police station on September 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters prepare to clash with police outside the Mong Kok police station on September 6.
A protester is detained by police at the Po Lam Mass Transit Railway station on Thursday, September 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A protester is detained by police at the Po Lam Mass Transit Railway station on Thursday, September 5.
A man watches televisions at a store in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces the withdrawal of the extradition bill on Wednesday, September 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A man watches televisions at a store in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces the withdrawal of the extradition bill on Wednesday, September 4.
A woman gets emotional on September 4 while paying her respects to protesters who were injured a few days earlier.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters
A woman gets emotional on September 4 while paying her respects to protesters who were injured a few days earlier.
Demonstrators travel through a railway station during a rally on Tuesday, September 3.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kyle Lam/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Demonstrators travel through a railway station during a rally on Tuesday, September 3.
Students wearing gas masks and helmets hold a banner that reads "five major demands are indispensable" at St. Francis' Canossian College in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
AP
Students wearing gas masks and helmets hold a banner that reads "five major demands are indispensable" at St. Francis' Canossian College in Hong Kong.
Protesters gather in the bus terminal at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, September 1. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists attempted to block transport routes to the city's airport.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather in the bus terminal at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, September 1. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists attempted to block transport routes to the city's airport.
A passenger walks to the airport on September 1 as pro-democracy protesters blocked a road outside the airport.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
A passenger walks to the airport on September 1 as pro-democracy protesters blocked a road outside the airport.
A protester uses a slingshot outside the Central Government Complex during clashes with police on Saturday, August 31. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters held an anti-government rally one day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
A protester uses a slingshot outside the Central Government Complex during clashes with police on Saturday, August 31. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters held an anti-government rally one day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Protesters light a Molotov cocktail on August 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Protesters light a Molotov cocktail on August 31.
Protesters take cover as policemen fire blue-colored water on them. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters take cover as policemen fire blue-colored water on them. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Jae C. Hong/AP
A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
Pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong speak to the media after they were released on bail at the Eastern Magistrates Courts on Friday, August 30. They were arrested earlier the same day in a dragnet across Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong speak to the media after they were released on bail at the Eastern Magistrates Courts on Friday, August 30. They were arrested earlier the same day in a dragnet across Hong Kong.
Protesters clash with police after a rally in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district on Sunday, August 25. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/25/asia/hong-kong-protest-aug-25-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">It was one of the most violent nights</a> seen in Hong Kong since mass protests began in June.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Protesters clash with police after a rally in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district on Sunday, August 25. It was one of the most violent nights seen in Hong Kong since mass protests began in June.
A police officer aims a gun in front of a protester on August 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lam Yik Fei/The New York Times/Redux Pictures
A police officer aims a gun in front of a protester on August 25.
Some protesters shine laser pointers at police lines on August 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Some protesters shine laser pointers at police lines on August 25.
Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.<br />
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
Tens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Tens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
A protester participates in a march on Saturday, August 17. His eye is covered with red gauze, referencing a woman who was allegedly shot in the eye with a beanbag round during clashes between protesters and police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A protester participates in a march on Saturday, August 17. His eye is covered with red gauze, referencing a woman who was allegedly shot in the eye with a beanbag round during clashes between protesters and police.
Protesters point lasers at the Sham Shui Po police station on August 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters point lasers at the Sham Shui Po police station on August 14.
A police officer falls over an airport luggage trolley during a scuffle with pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday, August 13. For two days, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/13/asia/hong-kong-airport-chaos-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">protesters flooded the airport.</a> Check-ins were suspended and dozens of outgoing flights were canceled.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer falls over an airport luggage trolley during a scuffle with pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday, August 13. For two days, protesters flooded the airport. Check-ins were suspended and dozens of outgoing flights were canceled.
A traveler passes her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A traveler passes her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate.
A display board shows canceled flights on August 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A display board shows canceled flights on August 13.
Medics look after a woman who received a facial injury during clashes on Sunday, August 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Medics look after a woman who received a facial injury during clashes on Sunday, August 11.
A pro-democracy protester is held by police outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station on August 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
A pro-democracy protester is held by police outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station on August 11.
Police fire tear gas at protesters during a demonstration in the Wong Tai Sin District on Monday, August 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police fire tear gas at protesters during a demonstration in the Wong Tai Sin District on Monday, August 5.
A train passenger gestures toward a protester, right, who was preventing the doors of a train from closing on August 5. The protester was trying to disrupt Hong Kong's morning rush-hour commute.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
A train passenger gestures toward a protester, right, who was preventing the doors of a train from closing on August 5. The protester was trying to disrupt Hong Kong's morning rush-hour commute.
A man comforts his pregnant wife near a train platform after protesters blocked the train doors on August 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A man comforts his pregnant wife near a train platform after protesters blocked the train doors on August 5.
A protester stands in tear gas during a confrontation with police in the early hours of Sunday, August 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Elson Li/AP
A protester stands in tear gas during a confrontation with police in the early hours of Sunday, August 4.
A Chinese flag floats in water after it was thrown by protesters during a demonstration on Saturday, August 3.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Thian/AP
A Chinese flag floats in water after it was thrown by protesters during a demonstration on Saturday, August 3.
Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a protest in Edinburgh Place on Friday, August 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a protest in Edinburgh Place on Friday, August 2.
The emblem on the China Liaison Office is protected by plexiglass during a demonstration on Sunday, July 28.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
The emblem on the China Liaison Office is protected by plexiglass during a demonstration on Sunday, July 28.
A protester flees from baton-wielding police in the Yuen Long district of Hong Kong on Saturday, July 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Eric Tsang/HK01 via AP
A protester flees from baton-wielding police in the Yuen Long district of Hong Kong on Saturday, July 27.
A protester looks through umbrellas during the clashes with police on July 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A protester looks through umbrellas during the clashes with police on July 27.
Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
Masked men in white T-shirts are seen after <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/23/asia/hong-kong-triad-arrests-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">attacking anti-extradition bill demonstrators</a> at a train station in Yuen Long.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Masked men in white T-shirts are seen after attacking anti-extradition bill demonstrators at a train station in Yuen Long.
Medical workers help a protester affected by tear gas on July 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Bobby Yip/AP
Medical workers help a protester affected by tear gas on July 21.
The office of pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was trashed by protesters in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
The office of pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was trashed by protesters in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district.
Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters after a rally in the Sheung Shui district on Saturday, July 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters after a rally in the Sheung Shui district on Saturday, July 13.
A demonstrator sprays paint inside a chamber at Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, where protesters forced their way in on Monday, July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A demonstrator sprays paint inside a chamber at Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, where protesters forced their way in on Monday, July 1.
A protester smashes a window of the Legislative Council building.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutters/Shutterstock
A protester smashes a window of the Legislative Council building.
Columns of sunlight are cast on a crowd during the march on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Columns of sunlight are cast on a crowd during the march on July 1.
Helicopters carrying the flags of China and Hong Kong fly over demonstrators on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kyle Lam/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Helicopters carrying the flags of China and Hong Kong fly over demonstrators on July 1.
A police officer uses pepper spray during a clash with protesters on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A police officer uses pepper spray during a clash with protesters on July 1.
A protester wearing a T-shirt with the word "revolution" walks past an inscription on a road that reads "Long Live HK."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
A protester wearing a T-shirt with the word "revolution" walks past an inscription on a road that reads "Long Live HK."
Police detain protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vivek Prakash/AFP/Getty Images
Police detain protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1.
An overhead view shows thousands of protesters marching through a Hong Kong street on Sunday, June 16.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
STR/AFP/Getty Images
An overhead view shows thousands of protesters marching through a Hong Kong street on Sunday, June 16.
Protesters run after police fired tear gas on Wednesday, June 12.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters run after police fired tear gas on Wednesday, June 12.
By the morning of June 12, tens of thousands of mainly young people had arrived in the area, blocking streets and bringing central Hong Kong to a standstill.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
By the morning of June 12, tens of thousands of mainly young people had arrived in the area, blocking streets and bringing central Hong Kong to a standstill.
A demonstrator holds a sign during the June 12 rally.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator holds a sign during the June 12 rally.
Police officers charge toward protesters during clashes on Monday, June 10. It was a continuation of protests that started the day before.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police officers charge toward protesters during clashes on Monday, June 10. It was a continuation of protests that started the day before.
Protesters on June 9 waved placards and wore white -- the designated color of the rally. "Hong Kong, never give up!" some chanted.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters on June 9 waved placards and wore white -- the designated color of the rally. "Hong Kong, never give up!" some chanted.
Students wear chains during a demonstration on Saturday, June 8.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
Students wear chains during a demonstration on Saturday, June 8.

The turnaround within Cathay Pacific is particularly disturbing for people in Hong Kong, given the 73-year-old company has a reputation for excellence – it was named Skytrax airline of the year four times – and is a major employer in Hong Kong, with nearly 20,000 locally-based staff.

On a day-to-day level, it has created a working culture that is increasingly hard to bear, says Sam, a Cathay crew member who wished to remain anonymous.

“I would say that in Cathay right now, everybody is kind of in stealth mode,” Sam says. “So whatever you do, whatever you say, you look around before you talk on the phone, you look around before you check your phone, and you would think about what you are going to say before you would say it.”

Younger members of staff are particularly affected by this internal cultural shift, she says.

“The more junior crews will watch their mouth or just smile and nod because they are so scared to be reported,” Sam says.

Cultural shift

Long time staff say no one is exempt from the shifting mood. A senior air steward and union organizer for Cathay Dragon, Rebecca Sy, was one of the first staff members to be dismissed under the new regime.

“At the beginning, I was shocked,” Sy says. “Very disappointed, frustrated.”

Sy had worked at Cathay Dragon, a low cost subsidiary airline, for 17 years, and says she had a good relationship with the company. She tells CNN she was called into a meeting, asked to identify three screenshots from her Facebook account, and was then fired on the spot.

A senior air steward and union organizer for Cathay Dragon, Rebecca Sy, was one of the first staff members to be dismissed.
A senior air steward and union organizer for Cathay Dragon, Rebecca Sy, was one of the first staff members to be dismissed.
Rebecca Wright/CNN

She says she has attended some of the authorized protests in Hong Kong, but says her Facebook account did not break the company’s code of conduct. In response to CNN, Cathay says they don’t comment on individual cases of dismissal.

“It is my first job since my graduation from university,” Sy says. “I really loved my job…to me it’s very special.”

But the mood at the company is changing rapidly, she says, as the staff are “so afraid and scared.”

“They are all losing faith, losing hope with this company,” Sy says. “(They) can’t enjoy the freedom of speech.”

It’s a pattern that is being repeated at other workplaces in Hong Kong, she says.

“It’s not just Cathay (which is) being targeted,” Sy says, adding that it is happening in other businesses as well as hospitals and schools in the city.

Cathay is majority-owned by Swire Pacific. The Anglo-Hong Kong conglomerate, which was founded in 1816, maintains a diversified business portfolio – including a large property portfolio across mainland China.

The company’s capitulation to Beijing’s demands sends a strong message about the power of China’s financial hold over Hong Kong.

Analysts say that the Chinese government is increasing its efforts to control companies and pressure them to conform to the party line.

General Secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, Lee Cheuk-yan, says that so-called 'white terror' is spreading into other industries.
General Secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, Lee Cheuk-yan, says that so-called 'white terror' is spreading into other industries.
Rebecca Wright/CNN

Lee Cheuk-yan, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, says he has also seen evidence of so-called ‘white terror’ in other sectors, including the banking industry.

“This is now widespread in Hong Kong, and something we are very much worried about because our political belief is being compromised,” he says. “So if you want a job, if you want to have a secure living, you have to be pro-China….that would be disastrous for Hong Kong.”

For many of the staff still working at Cathay, the dramatic change in dynamic has come as a surprise, especially for those who once respected the company’s culture and ethos.

“I can say that Cathay Pacific (had) an open-minded culture,” Paul says. “I can no longer say the same.”

But he says the fear spreading through the company will not change what the staff believe in.

“Freedom of expression, and opinions, and freedom of speech, that’s how my family raised me up to be,” Paul says. “I am a person, in addition to an employee, so I just think that you might be able to silence us inside a company, but then you cannot just change our mind.”