Point, Match and Game

(10/21/2001)

Cathay Pacific's pilots have sent a letter to the Airline's management signaling an end (21 October) to their nearly half-year long industrial action demanding better pay and conditions.

Over 50 union pilots were dismissed by the airline in July as part of the Company's reaction to a work-to-rule campaign.

The letter sent by the head of the Hong Kong Aircrew Officer's Association (HKAOA) to Cathay's Director of Flight Operations - represented a virtual capitulation by the pilots' stating the union "had absolutely no pre-conditions of talks or their outcome."

Gone was the Union's demand for a reinstatement of the dismissed pilots, higher pay and a multitude of other conditions.

The pilots' demands which were not popular with many of the airline’s non-cockpit rank and file from the outset, suffered a fatal blow in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedy. Airlines worldwide are reporting financial hemorrhaging with a number of leading carriers - including Swiss Air, Sabena, and United Airlines currently listed on the critically ill list with speculation rife on their potential for survival.

Cathay Pacific Airways management is expected to meet with the Union during the week of 22 October.

Cathay Pacific operates 7 flights weekly between Bali and Hong Kong.