Cathay Pacific Airways today expressed its disappointment with the announcement of its pilots` union, the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers` Association, that it is preparing to take industrial action starting next month. Cathay Pacific does not believe industrial action will benefit anyone and management will continue to do all it can to resolve the issue by negotiation.

The arguments used by the union in its letter to the Hong Kong public are misleading. This issue is about money. The union is demanding increases in pay and benefits for some pilots of up to 32%. Cathay Pacific has already offered pay rises of up to 9% for some pilots but in a fiercely competitive industry it cannot agree to all the union`s demands. The airline must maintain its competitiveness for the good of all its staff, its customers and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific`s Director Corporate Development Tony Tyler said: “We very much regret the union has seen fit to threaten the Hong Kong public with industrial action. Contrary to the impression given by the union, the outstanding issues are about money. Both sides need to get back to the negotiating table to resolve these issues.”

Cathay Pacific remains hopeful that industrial action can be avoided.

——-