In the history of aviation industrial relations there has never been an effective ban, in terms of stopping new joiners........ whether it is effective as a tool to force the management to talks is of course another story. I guess the question is how long can each side hold out?
Question: Can the company afford the statis quo? Answer: Yes (and a healthy quarterly profit to boot.... 9 new acft due in the next 2 yrs; yep, they are really hurting)
Question: Can the AOA/49ers afford the statis quo? Answer: No (In my opinion)
Each new joiner equals HKG$15360 per year to the union in fees, let alone support for the further action ND & JF are proposing. (SCMP article)
235 new joiners x 15360 = HKG$3,609,300 per year (thats half a million US$ per year)*
(*Figures based on current recruitment until end of 2003, assuming ban still in effect and current 4% union fees.)
Its a mystery.