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Article

20 Jun 2016

Author:
Trevor Williams, Global Atlanta

Qatar Airways steps up US recruiting amidst concerns of labour abuses

“Qatar Airways to Start U.S. Hiring Push in Atlanta Despite Labor Protests,” 8 Jun 2016

...[S]ome have asserted, despite…denials from Qatar Airways, that Atlantans headed to Qatar could be prevented from marrying without the airline’s permission, forced to live under strict curfews or fired if they get pregnant…Amnesty International and others have asserted that thousands of workers’ living conditions amount to modern-day slavery, as the “kafala” system of visa sponsorship by companies make exploitation easier. Unions are forbidden. Some workers have had their passports or paychecks withheld and have been denied passage back to their countries…despite its [the airline’s] constant assertions that it hires on an equal-opportunity basis and treats workers well…

Delta Air Lines Inc… [said] its rival’s business practices “harm U.S. aviation jobs and violate basic human rights.”…

On the charge of “asking permission for marriage” Qatar Airways has adjusted contract provisions…“The vast majority of employees are here on work visas, and the marital status must be kept updated… we need to be informed in order to keep work visa status current…If their status changes, they need to notify us…a spokesperson told Global Atlanta…