The FAU is in dispute with management over changes to conditions and benefits. It staged a marathon sit-in at Hong Kong International Airport last week and is now considering strike action in August.
In a letter to the airline’s CEO Ivan Chu, the ITF’s civil aviation secretary, Gabriel Mocho, stated that the FAU has been trying to negotiate in good faith on health and safety as well as issues including meal allowances, honouring the conditions of the current collective agreement, equal and fair remuneration and protection of employees against unruly passengers.
‘These claims are fair and legitimate,’ Mocho wrote, ‘and it would be in your best interests to open negotiations. Your cabin crew need to feel confident that they are working as part of a team and that their skills and experience are valued by their employer.’
He continued: ‘The union has adopted a cooperative stance, and despite having a mandate to carry out industrial action, has been attempting to reach an agreed settlement with the airline in the meantime.’
Appealing for a positive response by the company, he continued: ‘The ITF is a strong supporter of cooperative, well-developed industrial relations structures. I would therefore appeal you to intervene and to ensure the company comes to the negotiating table with the intention of reaching a full and fair settlement of these important issues. Such an action would demonstrate a commitment to good labour relations in Cathay Pacific Airways and would be an important contribution to a positive and stable future for the company.’
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