I thought it was sarcasm.
Firing the 49ers was not a dumb move on Cathay Pacific. It was very effective. It may cost them a couple of dollars with lawyers but very effective.
Intimidation can run unchecked by the company and we have a very compliant pilot workforce. I don’t see pilots not complying.
The current freighter situation is case in point. Every passenger pilot shouldn’t be flying the freighter, but yet they are. If they didn’t, the freighter pilots could get a pay increase and possibly a better RP. A couple of interviews with the chief pilot have most of the 744 pax pilots running for cover. The F/O’s would not dare put their head above the parapet, they will be held back for command.
So I disagree that firing the 49ers was a dumb move.