Cathay Pacific layoffs | Pilots’ union is disappointed and reprimanded Cathay Pacific for asking employees to choose unfairly between unemployment and wage reduction

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Written by: Huang Weilun

2020-10-21 17:23

Last update date: 2020-10-21 17:25

Cathay Pacific Airways, which has been rumored to have been laying off staff for a long time, finally announced a restructuring plan this morning (21st), cutting 8,500 positions.

Chris Beebe, Secretary-General of the Cathay Pacific Pilots Union (HKAOA), said in an interview with "Hong Kong 01" that he was very disappointed with the employer's layoff plan and criticized Cathay Pacific for not discussing with the union in advance. The union only learned of the plan this morning and has not yet grasped it. How many pilots were affected.

He also revealed that the trade union is meeting with senior Cathay Pacific executives. In addition to hoping that the existing employee benefits will be preserved, it will also try its best to assist the laid-off pilots so that they retain their pilot qualifications.

The global aviation industry is sluggish, and many airlines have announced layoffs, and Cathay Pacific cannot avoid it.

Chris Beebe admitted that it is indeed a difficult time for the aviation industry and understands that companies need to take action to maintain operations. However, he criticized that Cathay Pacific has not formally met with the union to discuss restructuring plans. The union, like the public, has to wait until this morning. Know the plan.

When asked whether Cathay’s management has a more suitable alternative besides layoffs, Chris Beebe said that it is necessary for the union to know Cathay’s latest business plan and what assumptions are behind it. However, the management has not met with the union before and the union has no way of getting it. Knowing specific information, it is difficult to provide practical advice.

Cathay Pacific pilots hired in different periods have different salary calculation methods in their employment contracts.

Chris Beebe expressed the hope that Cathay Pacific can respect the contract. Even if employees who can stay are required to sign new contracts and change their service conditions, they still hope that the employers will try to retain existing benefits.

He also criticized that it would be unfair to employees if the management asked employees to choose between unemployment and wage reduction.

As for how to assist the dismissed pilots, he said that he would communicate and cooperate with Cathay Pacific and the Civil Aviation Department to study how to let the laid-off pilots continue to maintain their pilot qualifications.

He also pointed out that Cathay Pacific has invested a lot of resources in pilot training, urging Cathay Pacific to keep as many pilots as possible.

Looking to the future, he believes that Cathay Pacific can still maintain its international reputation, but even if the short-term development can be as expected by Cathay Pacific executives, the carrying capacity will return to 50% of normal next year, it still depends on whether the passenger volume is mainly business guests, or Other types of passengers are relatively high, and the actual operating conditions are difficult to estimate.

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