Commenting on “Cathay pilots union tells Hong Kong-based members not to sign new pay-slashing contracts” https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3106702/cathay-pilots-union-tells-hong-kong-based-members
Do not make the same mistake like the Australian domestic pilots that went on strike for pay rise back in 1989. All the pilots were the losers and the Union was decimated.
Back then, Australian domestic airlines were a duopoly.
The strike went on for months, costing over a billion Australian dollars. During the dispute the government called a national emergency and deployed armed forces and planes to fly commercial routes. Hundreds of scab pilots from overseas had their visas fast tracked, and their wages paid by the government in an attempt to undermine the union’s campaign.
In September, the pilots offered to return to work keeping all previous awards and conditions, but the employers turned down the offer. Instead, new contracts were drawn up which removed many rights and protections, and reduced working conditions. During good times, Cathy staff were treated very well. It is time to reciprocate to get the company stay afloat. Without the company, there is no employment, and therefore no pilots will be required. Thank you for reading.
Back then, Australian domestic airlines were a duopoly.
The strike went on for months, costing over a billion Australian dollars. During the dispute the government called a national emergency and deployed armed forces and planes to fly commercial routes. Hundreds of scab pilots from overseas had their visas fast tracked, and their wages paid by the government in an attempt to undermine the union’s campaign.
In September, the pilots offered to return to work keeping all previous awards and conditions, but the employers turned down the offer. Instead, new contracts were drawn up which removed many rights and protections, and reduced working conditions. During good times, Cathy staff were treated very well. It is time to reciprocate to get the company stay afloat. Without the company, there is no employment, and therefore no pilots will be required. Thank you for reading.
