Aoa Email 1 summary
We fully recognise that much of what is presented is to do with cost-cutting for the long term, rather than cash saving in the short term.
These are essentially separate issues but the Company has chosen to bundle them together. This has been done to apply pressure on Officers who may feel they are being forced into accepting SLS in order to achieve CoS08, and hence RA65.
Your GC endorses the rationale for the Special Leave Scheme.
However, following a briefing from the Chief Executive we have not changed our view of the Company’s financial situation: we are not about to run out of cash. The scheme is being implemented not so much to save cash (although it will obviously save some), but primarily to demonstrate solidarity within the Company, so as to put pressure on suppliers.
So, like it or not, we are faced with SLS. However, please remember that at the end of the day, SLS is voluntary. Everybody can remain on current terms and decline to contribute - a right that your Association will vigorously defend.
Bear in mind that some of our Officers are still unable to achieve their contractual paid leave this year, as insufficient leave slots are available.
You are free to stay on CoS99 and receive full BPP.
You have the option to migrate to CoS08 to achieve RA65. GOOD for some
If you are an SO or FO and choose to migrate to CoS08 without delay you will not be expected to participate in SLS.
There is a lack of incentive for young Officers to sign across.
Initial calculations indicate that junior Officers and younger A-scalers could be significantly worse off.
The Company refused to add more paypoints to the CN scale, despite the Cathay Pacific career now being 10 years longer.
There is a serious discrepancy between CoS08 scales and USAB FO scales.
CoS Para 35.3. The Company currently has the right to terminate an Officer without stating reasons.
The HKAOA have the right to support members in legal action against the Company on issues such as BPP and age discrimination. The HKAOA is always willing and prepared to support legal action against the Company for discrimination of any form, be it age or otherwise,
The Company’s stated “worst-case scenario” was for the older crew (predominantly Captains) to sign across to CoS08, with the younger crew (predominantly SOs and FOs) to remain on CoS99.
By tying the two issues together, the worst-case scenario must surely be for a low take-up of CoS08 and a low take-up of SLS. The HKAOA believe that there is a very high risk of this.
The Company has gone on record as stating that there will be no victimisation of Officers who do not accept SLS but the GMA’s update in Crew Direct seemed to contradict this. Again, we will strongly support any Officer who believes he or she has been subject to unfair treatment as a result of non-acceptance of SLS.
Once again, our advice is to do nothing until your Association is able to provide you with more information on your choices. There is no rush.
Finally: You have a choice. Remaining on your current terms is an option that some, possibly many, will take.