THE Flight Attendants Union has accused Cathay Pacific of using emotional blackmail. By choosing to strike at the airline's busiest time of year, isn't that exactly what the FAU is doing? The FAU's grievances do not appear to justify such extreme action which is clearly aimed at maximising inconvenience to innocent customers of the airline. The strikers could still make their point by being disruptive, but without being totally reckless and destructive. If Cathay is prepared to suffer financially by donating all profits to the Community Chest, what can the FAU possibly hope to achieve by continuing the action over the Lunar New Year Holiday? This can only result in further suffering to the public and damage the good name of Cathay Pacific and the union members themselves. Those of us who work hard all year and look forward to getting away for a well-earned break should not be used as pawns by the FAU. If the industrial action is continued, any sympathy for the strikers will soon disappear and Cathay Pacific will hopefullyensure that those responsible are properly dealt with. CHRISTINE HODGSON Mid-Levels
