Hong Kong truly is a special place. One of the best things about Hong Kong is the fact that it is one of the freest places on earth to conduct business.
The freedom that all Hong Kong citizens have does carry a special burden. That burden is being felt in the current Cathay / Pilots Union dispute. This dispute is perfectly legal and within their right both as a Company and as a Union. Both parties in this dispute feel completely justified in their positions. No amount of discussion on this forum will change that. It is a shame that as a sideline to the dispute that other parties also are feeling pressured. These include other Cathay employees, travel and tourism employees and business owners and others.
No one can solely blame one party in this dispute for creating it. It has been simmering for years and involves complicated issues that should have been successfully negotiated and resolved years ago. It definitely points to a management failure, as Cathay management could have resolved these issues if they had been smarter. But, there are too many left over colonial attitudes and egos involved. Having said that, it is also evident that the pilot group could have taken other approaches that might have avoided the current situation.
But opportunities for early settlement were lost and the course has been set. This dispute will continue and not be easily resolved. If the citizens of Hong Kong want to end their suffering, there is only one remedy. Encourage Cathay Pacific to resume negotiations and reach a settlement in this dispute. Until that is done, you will continue to witness both sides exercise the precious freedoms to fight for their cause.
Take sides if you want……….that is your right also. I know I have.