Cathay Pacific strike the last thing Hong Kong public wants
- Possible industrial action by cabin staff at city’s flagship airline could not come at a worse time as customers and company recover from pandemic
Travel in times of a global pandemic is challenging enough, even more so when the journey could be disrupted by a looming strike. Unlike in some European countries, industrial action is thankfully uncommon in Hong Kong.
That is why a labour dispute at the city’s flagship airline has understandably aroused wide public concern. With air travel picking up and the industry still far from fully recovered, cool heads must prevail or a lose-lose situation may follow.
The unanimous support given by the cabin crew union at Cathay Pacific to possible industrial action underlines the frustration of staff. They are unhappy with changes to a roster system that have resulted in less rest time and allowances for flight attendants, many of whom have taken a steep pay cut to rejoin the carrier.
Previously, they were allocated a mix of long and short-haul flights and were able to earn more for longer flights with overseas layovers. The union says it understands the airline is still on the flight path to recovery, but will not rule out striking during the peak travel season should management fail to address its concerns.
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Cathay Pacific has sought to play down the row, saying temporary rostering issues will be dealt with as it rebuilds its flight network. It has reassured customers that services will continue as scheduled and that there is no need to worry.
Eligible employees will also receive a 3.3 per cent salary increase and an ex gratia payment equivalent to one month’s wages next month, the carrier says.
Whether the warning is a bargaining tactic by staff remains to be seen, but the threat of possible action is worrying enough for many people who are eager to fly. In any case, customers should not be used as pawns while talks continue.
Aviation has been one of the industries most hard-hit over the past three years. Even though air travel is picking up following an easing of quarantine measures, Cathay is still struggling to catch up with overseas rivals.
As the pandemic drags on, it is time for solidarity rather than confrontation in society. A strike will not only disrupt the plans of many looking forward to an overseas holiday or family reunion, but also damage labour relations and economic recovery.
