Dragonair reaches deal with cabin crew
21-08-2010.. RTHK
Dragonair has reached an agreement with cabin crew in a dispute over working hours, putting an end to proposed industrial action. The Hong Kong Dragon Airline Flight Attendants Association had earlier threatened such a move.
In a statement, Dragonair said it reached a consensus with the Flight Attendants Association this morning.
The airline said it was fully aware of the pressure and heavy workload faced by cabin crew and, to address their concerns, new measures would be put in place. These include recruiting an additional 50 cabin crew and, as a temporary relief measure, operating selected sectors as charter flights. Dragonair will also offer allowances for cabin crew who volunteer to work on rest days and those who work on flights with less than the desired number of cabin crew.
The airline said the agreement reached with the Flight Attendants Association puts an end to the proposed industrial action.
It said it was pleased the association had placed the interests of passengers and the general public as its first priority.
The Dragon Airlines Flight Attendants Association said it was pleased the dispute was finally over. Its Chairperson Winnie Poon said a consensus was reached after a lengthy meeting with management which lasted until the early hours of the morning.
The Secretary for Labour Matthew Cheung welcomed the news. He said it demonstrated that with sincerity and mutual understanding, differences could be worked out. He also praised labour officers for their role in conciliating in the dispute.