Cathay Pacific makes pay offer to pilots

Cathay Pacific has reportedly offered its pilots pay rises of up to 12% after they threatened to work to rule over Christmas (AFP/Sunday Morning Post, 02-Jan-2011). The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association's 1800 members will vote within six weeks on the agreement which falls short of the increase of more than 30% over four years reportedly targetted by the union. The carrier will award the pilots immediate rises of up to 9% and further rises of 2-3% in May-2012. Commenting on the offer, Cathay Pacific spokeswoman stated: "We believe the package is a very good one and we hope our pilots will see that it is well balanced and addresses many of the issues discussed with the pilot representatives during our negotiations with them." Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association Chairman Peter Vinna reportedly described the offer in a circular to members as "a good start towards improving pay levels and forms a sound foundation on which to base further pay deals from May 2013".