Extensions have always been around, and are part of your COS. However some things have changed since the concept of extensions was included in the "Blue Book" COS of the 70's & 80's. B scales and basings spring to mind. The original idea was that extensions would be allowed, as long as no one junior was disadvantaged, at that time the only disadvantage was financial, hence bypass pay. I think the system still adequately addresses salary issues, it obviously does not address basing issues. Every base opening has an enormous financial benefit for the company and huge personal value for those wishing to leave HKG. The present situation, if it is true is hardly disadvantageous to CX, if the following formula is remotely correct.
1 V Snr A Scale Capt + 1 V Snr A Scale FO = 1 B Scale Capt + 1 V Junior Capt
As for the Capt's in question. How sad to reach 55yrs old, and not have anything else you can or want to do, other than sit in an aluminium tube for 10-15 hrs 6 times a month. Save your invective gentlemen. They are not "scabs" just poor, sad, lost souls, who have nothing else to live for but 4 gold bars & Cathay Pacific.
[This message has been edited by Checkmate (edited 15 September 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Checkmate (edited 15 September 2000).]