CATHAY Pacific said early this morning it was sacking the cabin crew who took part in a surprise strike which forced the cancellation of a London flight. The 3,000-strong Flight Attendants' Union (FAU) called a wild cat stoppage of services at 10 pm. The FAU announced its action after an afternoon meeting with senior management broke down. The cabin crew will continue their action until the management backs down, according to an FAU member. An FAU member told the South China Morning Post that ''members could not bear to be taken advantage of by the management anymore''. Flight CX 251 to London was cancelled and all its 301 passengers were put up in hotels pending further arrangements. But Cathay management was quick to respond, saying that the stoppage was in breach of the staff conditions and that letters were going out those who took part telling them that their services have been terminated. The company said it was ''planning to operate all flights as scheduled''. It denounced the action as irresponsible, having been taken without notice and without any consideration of booked passengers. Yesterday's meeting was said to have been adjourned halfway through when senior Cathay Pacific personnel said they had to consider the union's demands. The union is also pushing for better pay. The company has offered all staff a wage increase of six per cent plus an annual increment, together with a $150 payment. Cathay says the total package is worth between 8.5 and 14 per cent. But staff demand a cost of living increase plus a merit rise of between 2.5 and three per cent. The union decided to call the stoppage when the management asked for a few more days to consider their request. Cathay Pacific operates dozens of outgoing flights daily and hundreds of passengers could be affected if the management did not climb down, according to the FAU member.
