EVA Air Sick Leave Scandal: Airline Apologizes After Asking Deceased Flight Attendant for Paperwork

A major Taiwanese airline has issued a public apology. The apology follows a deeply insensitive request made to a deceased employee. EVA Air asked a flight attendant for sick leave documentation after she had died. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Taiwan.

The employee, a 34-year-old flight attendant surnamed Sun, passed away on October 10. According to The Independent, she first fell ill during a long-haul flight from Milan to Taoyuan. Her condition worsened after landing, leading to her hospitalization and subsequent death.

Timeline of a Tragedy Sparks Public Fury

Sun began feeling unwell on September 24. She received initial treatment at a clinic after her flight landed. Her health continued to decline over the next several days.

She was admitted to a hospital on September 26. Due to her deteriorating condition, she was transferred to another facility on October 8. The flight attendant died just two days later.

Shortly after her death, the airline contacted her. A company representative sent a message to her phone requesting proof for her sick leave application. Her grieving family was forced to respond by providing a copy of her death certificate.

Airline Blames Employee Error as Investigation Launches

The case ignited public anger after a colleague shared details online. The post alleged that flight attendants face systemic overwork and are discouraged from taking sick leave. It claimed the incident was a result of long-term indifference toward crew health.

Following the backlash, EVA Air released a formal statement. The airline said it was “deeply saddened” by Sun’s passing. It extended its “deepest apologies” to her family for the distress caused.

The company attributed the request to an employee “insufficiently familiar with their work duties.” The controversy has prompted a joint investigation by EVA Air and Taiwanese authorities. They are examining whether Sun was improperly denied medical leave or support before her death.

EVA Air president Sun Chia-Ming addressed the media. “The departure of Ms Sun is the pain in our hearts forever,” he stated. “We will carry out the investigation with the most responsible attitude.”

The EVA Air sick leave scandal highlights critical concerns about corporate treatment of employees. The airline now faces intense scrutiny over its workplace policies and practices. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of bureaucratic failure.

Thought you’d like to know

What did EVA Air apologize for?

EVA Air apologized for requesting sick leave paperwork from a flight attendant after she had died. The company called the request a mistake made by an employee not fully familiar with their duties.

How did the flight attendant’s family respond?

The family received the request on the employee’s phone after her death. They were forced to provide a copy of her death certificate as proof that she could not submit sick leave documents.

What sparked the public outrage in Taiwan?

Outrage grew after a colleague posted online about the incident. The post alleged that flight attendants are routinely overworked and face systemic pressure not to take sick leave.

What is being investigated now?

Authorities are investigating whether the airline denied the flight attendant proper medical leave or support before her death. The probe will examine the company’s workplace policies and treatment of staff.

What has EVA Air promised to do?

The airline’s president promised a thorough and responsible investigation. He expressed deep regret over the incident and the employee’s passing.

Trusted Sources: The Independent, EVA Air corporate statements, Taiwanese aviation authorities.