SCMP: Petty theft "costs us millions", says CX
#46
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: HKG
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I remember years ago when they were serving caviar in F out of the big tins... They use to load 2 or 3 tins for every flight.... It was common knowledge back then that a lot of the crew only used 1 tin for the cabin, and kept the 2nd or 3rd tin for themselves... Some stories even said a few ISMs use to take the tins back home and resold them....
#47
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#48
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I remember years ago when they were serving caviar in F out of the big tins... They use to load 2 or 3 tins for every flight.... It was common knowledge back then that a lot of the crew only used 1 tin for the cabin, and kept the 2nd or 3rd tin for themselves... Some stories even said a few ISMs use to take the tins back home and resold them....
#49
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: MPC, HH & others
Posts: 149
Plenty of these being sold in "Bulk" on Carousell HK. They sell pens, cutlery, kits and even uniforms for 25K a pop.
#50
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: MNL
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#51
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#52
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: CX Diamond / OWE
Posts: 277
This.
Not suggesting CX FAs or FAs in general are more prone to this than others, but I've seen this happen in various service industries, where employees are potentially incentivized by withholding something from customers (especially when it's complimentary) to benefit themselves. In my view, it's best to eliminate this potential conflict of interest with a zero tolerance policy and mandating anything perishable unused by pax are thrown away as waste.
Far as making FAs unhappy, anyone who quits because of the losing of this perk should, since, obviously, this profession isn't really for them. And, as to the environmental concerns (not wasting stuff) I'm sure the...ah...Earth can survive.
Not suggesting CX FAs or FAs in general are more prone to this than others, but I've seen this happen in various service industries, where employees are potentially incentivized by withholding something from customers (especially when it's complimentary) to benefit themselves. In my view, it's best to eliminate this potential conflict of interest with a zero tolerance policy and mandating anything perishable unused by pax are thrown away as waste.
Far as making FAs unhappy, anyone who quits because of the losing of this perk should, since, obviously, this profession isn't really for them. And, as to the environmental concerns (not wasting stuff) I'm sure the...ah...Earth can survive.
Anyway, the point is - letting the FAs bring home food that would otherwise go to the landfill can only be seen as a good thing. If that constitutes as theft then CX is barking up the wrong tree. Of course stealing cutlery, unopened bottles of alcohol and caviar will be crossing the line.
#53
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
Anyway, the point is - letting the FAs bring home food that would otherwise go to the landfill can only be seen as a good thing. If that constitutes as theft then CX is barking up the wrong tree. Of course stealing cutlery, unopened bottles of alcohol and caviar will be crossing the line.
However, in practice, there will invariably be some, even if it's a small minority, who may potentially retain some inventory for personal use, rather than dispense liberally to onboard pax. Of course, in the overall scheme of things, the amount saved may be inconsequential (especially given the potential PR value), but, CX must have felt the issue was enough to warrant a more assertive stance.
I would even argue that perishable items, those specifically designated for inflight pax consumption, should be offered to any pax who would want them. I'd imagine, on many routes, there surely would be enough pax, where the issue of waste wouldn't be a central problem. If there are enough pax who "steal" stuff from the lounges, surely there will be enough to take whatever stock leftover.
PS - as to "stealing" from lounges, I too am guilty. Upon leaving, I always take a can of Perrier. So, I do understand the FAs' perspective where punishing those for simply taking water/light snack (as a matter of convenience), while within the letter of zero tolerance, certainly isn't consistent with the spirit of reducing theft. CX should consider itself too classy an outfit to engage in such pettiness.
Last edited by Visconti; Apr 24, 2019 at 11:34 am Reason: added PS...
#54
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,342
PS - as to "stealing" from lounges, I too am guilty. Upon leaving, I always take a can of Perrier. So, I do understand the FAs' perspective where punishing those for simply taking water/light snack (as a matter of convenience), while within the letter of zero tolerance, certainly isn't consistent with the spirit of reducing theft. CX should consider itself too classy an outfit to engage in such pettiness.
#55
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1) None of this is really that surprising, bothersome, or concerning.
2) @CX HK, wow, you must be a ton of fun to work with. Please may I never be put on a project with the Water Bottle Counter.
3) Yes, the products were placed for our consumption. Just as the 20cent can of soda was. If overconsumption or theft was a problem, they'd limit access to 2-3 servers who could provide upon request. Likewise with FAs, if overonsumption or theft were an issue, they'd limit access or implement stringent inventory controls. But they dont. See point #2 .
How this thread has gotten so much attention is beyond me. PAX that "steal" (myself included) are a far greater threat.
#56
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan SE. AF-Plat
Posts: 616
Actually the biggest theft in retail is internally from employees, not from customers shopping....the employees know the systems and how to by pass it... I realize this isn't retail just an explanation perhaps why Management is clamping down...When I worked at Mcdonalds centuries ago, any excess food at the end of the night had to be thrown out. Rational was so people did not over cook on purpose to take the food home. (less of an issue now)
#57
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,342
1) None of this is really that surprising, bothersome, or concerning.
2) @CX HK, wow, you must be a ton of fun to work with. Please may I never be put on a project with the Water Bottle Counter.
3) Yes, the products were placed for our consumption. Just as the 20cent can of soda was. If overconsumption or theft was a problem, they'd limit access to 2-3 servers who could provide upon request. Likewise with FAs, if overonsumption or theft were an issue, they'd limit access or implement stringent inventory controls. But they dont. See point #2 .
How this thread has gotten so much attention is beyond me. PAX that "steal" (myself included) are a far greater threat.
2) @CX HK, wow, you must be a ton of fun to work with. Please may I never be put on a project with the Water Bottle Counter.
3) Yes, the products were placed for our consumption. Just as the 20cent can of soda was. If overconsumption or theft was a problem, they'd limit access to 2-3 servers who could provide upon request. Likewise with FAs, if overonsumption or theft were an issue, they'd limit access or implement stringent inventory controls. But they dont. See point #2 .
How this thread has gotten so much attention is beyond me. PAX that "steal" (myself included) are a far greater threat.
Relax and re-read.
#58
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: MNL
Programs: CX MPO DM, Le Club Accor Platinum, World of Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,284
Again, why are we still at the topic of stealing bottled water and garlic bread? When in fact I'm pretty sure it only started becoming an issue when cutlery, amenity kits and bottles of wine and champagne started going missing.
#60
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: MPC, HH & others
Posts: 149
Yes and used.
There were three on sale last week and they have been sold since. Staff uniform pins are also on sale for $500 HKD. Pilots hats sell for $1500-$2500 and there is one auction up at the moment.
Here's another auction from yesterday
https://ibb.co/bLTyfyg
There were three on sale last week and they have been sold since. Staff uniform pins are also on sale for $500 HKD. Pilots hats sell for $1500-$2500 and there is one auction up at the moment.
Here's another auction from yesterday
https://ibb.co/bLTyfyg