Maybe we should temper our condemnation of the AOA in this matter (And no I'm not a member having left HK many years ago)? The AOA is operating in Asia (ie no real "democracy", few employee rights and employment philosophies not much better than Victorian sweatshops), and in my view, against one of the most vicious and insincere airlines in the business.
Comparing the AOA's situation with the USA, Europe or Australasia is apples & oranges. You do not have anything like the legal rights or community support one finds there. Do not expect CX to respect your own expectations of fair play or honesty, or in my experience, even abide by their own contract. (ie Aircrew condx of service et al).
The AOA was probably doing its best without putting their own heads on the block. Getting into the CX's bad book is often easily and undeservedly done and hard to reverse. They have proven their vindictiveness and inhumanity in the past and anyone who ignores this is probably asking for it! (IMHO of course).
The AOA has probably just faced facts and done its best - pity the AFAP didn't do the same in 1989. A shining example of what pig headed uinion leaders can do to their members when choosing to stick ones head in the sand and "fight to the last".
Whilst the plight of the 49'ers sux big time, they at least have a way to eventually get back to something like their past lives. They have my pity but I bet many of them now feel some relief as well!
