Cathay has won nothing - this is just the first salvo.
If negotiated correctly (and no backdown) by the AOA then we can all win from this. Those A scalers that feel agrieved are justified - their expectations were based on what the employer communicated but am sure many saw the injustice for the junior crew and those that did not were walking around with their head up their ass. In the near term I believe A scalers too will win from a properly negotiated position. Flt Ops is obviously concerned about the fall out from this latest development and so have thrown 15.5% into the pot for the C & T and extendees on the Frtr fleet to stem resignations-they are doing this because they are scared of the ramifications---- not because they are benovelent.
Observation - GMA's wording "....... as a result we now have little option but to accept the AOA's posn........" is a subtle attempt at painting the AOA as the bad guy in this battle. This is not the case. Had the Company got proper legal advice then they would not be in such a position that they now have, in the minimium, to pay an extra 15.5% in the near term for the same productivity that they got last week.
There is only one party with egg on their face.
Finally, I urge all of you (AOA member or not) to fill out the upcomming survey from the AOA into crew's thoughts and expectations. You may find it an eye opener.