Source:
https://scmp.com/article/16010/bitterly-disappointed

Bitterly disappointed

AS an expatriate who has lived in Hongkong for just over 15 years and who has flown back to the UK at least two to three times per year always on Cathay Pacific, I am completely at a loss and disillusioned as to why the Flight Attendants Union has called astrike at this time.

Its members are one of the most privileged workforces in Hongkong. They are paid top rates, I believe equal to or better than any other Asian airline, they and their families have the perks of subsidised travel, days off and numerous other benefits. For every girl who wishes to resign there are 20 to 30 clamouring for their jobs. Don't they realise that every company has to have a bottom line which shows a profit, look at airlines in the States which have gone into the red, gone bankrupt - what is the future? One headline in Tuesday's Business Post is an example - ''Qantas to axe 1,835 jobs''. Of course this has to happen if an airline is not profitable. This is economics and anyone living and working in Hongkong surely should understand this. It is said that an active minority can always hold sway over a passive majority. I would say to you girls who are being led astray - think very, very carefully about your futures.

Just think of the benefits you have, are you really so badly off? You are putting your careers at stake, Cathay Pacific at stake, is this what you really want? Having been a Gold Card Marco Polo member for more years than I care to remember I have always been treated with the utmost courtesy by the cabin staff, I enjoy flying Cathay Pacific. I am astounded and bitterly disappointed by this strike.

For the very first time I am flying to the UK this week on British Airways, and I wonder how many like me are doing the same thing and may perhaps change their allegiance forever.

Come on girls, sort out your priorities and let's get back to running the best airline in Asia if not the world.

J. D. LAWRENCE Director Matheson PFC