I don't think it is anything to do with contracts on the bases it seems more of an issue around local legislation ie workers rights and laws. You can bet your bottom dollar as well that no western nation will be in the mood to let a Hong Kong company off easy especially given the current political climate between them and in addition to the fact that they have been giving financial support to all these Cathay employees for a year or so only to see them eliminated or the jobs and future tax revenues relocated to HKG. That won't go down well and will require answers or possible consequences.