ARTICLES in the press last week and over the weekend mentioning the possibility of industrial action by the unions representing the workforce of Cathay Pacific Airways, were inventive and sensationalist. The three unions met with Cathay's Managing Director last Thursday. The sole purpose was to discuss their joint concerns about the pay offer and on continued poor communications between the management and the employees. The meeting was quite amicable with no posturing from any of the parties present. As yet the unions have not discussed with each other how they intend to pursue their respective cases. No discussions have taken place on industrial action. The position of the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers' Association (HKAOA) is that strike action is an indication of a breakdown in trust between the parties. Strike action is an act of last resort when communications have broken down totally and history shows that a strike situation is in nobody's interests. Cathay Pacific is one of the world's most successful airlines, working in a highly competitive market. It has responsibilities to its staff, shareholders and, let us all not forget, to its customers. The HKAOA has a responsibility to its members to safeguard conditions of service and maintain the living standards of its members, but we also have a responsibility to ensure the continuing success of Cathay Pacific. We take that responsibility seriously; as we do the safety and comfort of the flying public. We do not have any meetings with the company planned at the moment on the question of pay, but that does not signify that talks have broken down. We continue to have an on-going dialogue with the company on a whole range of issues. Undoubtedly this will include pay. JOHN FINDLAY General Secretary Hong Kong Aircrew Officers' Association
