Cabin crew at Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific have voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Cabin crew at the carrier have been calling for a five per cent increase in wages, but the airline has offered only two per cent.

Negotiations have broken down, with the Flight Attendant’s Union now threatening work-to-rule measures.

This could limit the services offered to passengers.

The FAU also warned if the airline did not resume negotiations, it may proceed to a full strike.

However, Cathay Pacific Airways has welcomed the announcement by the FAU not to stage a strike during the peak travel period over Christmas and New Year.

Chief executive John Slosar said: “This is good news for our passengers, for all Cathay Pacific staff and for the Hong Kong travelling public.”

Slosar continued: “Aviation has been a difficult business in 2012, and we have tried very hard to explain the challenges we have faced to our staff. 

“In total over the past three years even after the two per cent awarded this year, most of our staff have received pay increases totalling almost 12 per cent, plus an additional 13th month bonus in each of those three years, and I think this is a pretty good result given the performance of our business.”

Cathay Pacific wrote to the FAU at the end of last week inviting them to continue discussions on lifestyle and operational matters, but as yet has not received any response.