Instances of cabin crew members going AWOL to join foreign airlines have been occurring for quite some time. When a single flight attendant goes AWOL, the situation can typically be managed by promoting a reserve to fill the position. However, when more than 20 people go AWOL simultaneously, it depletes the reserve pool and causes significant manpower issues for the airline. This can lead to flight cancellations and massive financial losses, as experienced by local airlines in the Philippines between June and August 2022.
Through this article, I aim to emphasize the negative long-term effects of going AWOL on a flight attendant’s career to the upcoming generation of cabin crew members. By understanding the potential consequences of such actions, new flight attendants can make informed decisions about their career paths and avoid jeopardizing their future in the aviation industry.
Going AWOL (Absent Without Leave) in the aviation industry is a workplace misconduct that can have severe repercussions on your flight attendant career. AWOL occurs when an employee fails to report for work without prior authorization or proper notice. This behavior is considered a serious offense and can lead to numerous negative consequences for your present and future career. Let’s explore the risks associated with going AWOL, its violation of the labor code, and how it can significantly impact your flight attendant career.
Legal Implications: AWOL as a Violation of the Labor Code
AWOL is a clear violation of the Philippine Labor Code under Article 297, section b, which states that “Gross and habitual neglect by the employee of his duties” can be a basis for termination. Instances of neglect include failing to show up for work without company permission, being frequently late, or being absent without authorization.
When you decide to go AWOL, you are essentially breaching your employment contract, which can lead to legal consequences. Your employer may withhold your back pay and even sue you for damages, resulting in fines or worse, imprisonment. Not only does this tarnish your reputation, but it can also be costly in terms of time, energy, and money.
Strained Professional Relationships
Going AWOL not only puts a strain on your relationship with your employer but also damages your rapport with colleagues and clients. Your absence disrupts the workflow and can create additional work for your coworkers, painting you in a negative light. The aviation industry is relatively small, and your reputation will likely follow you wherever you go.
Loss of Financial Benefits and Employment Opportunities
If you go AWOL, you automatically forfeit any financial benefits, such as unused leave conversions and back pay. Additionally, it becomes difficult to secure employment in the aviation industry as your reputation precedes you. Employers can access your employment history through government records such as SSS, PAG-IBIG, and tax records, which makes concealing your AWOL status nearly impossible.
Impact on Future Success
Going AWOL can severely damage your professional reputation, making it challenging to grow and succeed in your flight attendant career. Employers value reliability, and your failure to adhere to legal and company guidelines can brand you as untrustworthy and irresponsible, hindering your chances of achieving your professional goals.
Emotional and Mental Consequences
The decision to go AWOL can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. You may experience guilt, regret, and stress as you come to terms with the consequences of your actions. These emotional challenges can make it even more difficult to recover and rebuild your career in the aviation industry.
Immediate Resignation and Legal Protections
Despite the negative implications of going AWOL, the law does offer protections for employees who need to resign without the 30 days’ notice. According to Article 285 of the Labor Code, an employee may terminate their employment immediately due to the following just causes:
- Serious insult by the employer or their representative on the honor and person of the employee
- Inhuman and unbearable treatment accorded to the employee by the employer or their representative
- Commission of a crime or offense by the employer or their representative against the person of the employee or any of the immediate members of their family
- Other causes analogous to the above
The Importance of Proper Resignation and Professionalism
Going AWOL can have lasting, negative effects on your flight attendant career, including legal consequences, damaged professional relationships, loss of financial benefits, and hindrances to future success.
It’s crucial to follow proper resignation procedures and maintain professionalism throughout your career to avoid these pitfalls. Remember that your actions today can significantly impact your future in the aviation industry.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to leave your job, make sure to communicate openly with your employer and follow the proper channels for resignation. By adhering to company policies and legal guidelines, you can preserve your professional reputation and maintain strong relationships within the industry. This will ultimately enable you to achieve your career goals and enjoy a successful, fulfilling career as a flight attendant. Remember, the aviation industry values reliability, trustworthiness, and professionalism; by exhibiting these qualities, you will be well on your way to a prosperous and rewarding career.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
