Cathay Top Management are doing the fiscally responsible thing in response to a less-than-stellar performance by the HKSAR Government. Cathay are not, not ever have been, pro-active in their actions, always reactive. Nothing has nor will ever change the way they react to changing circumstances in Asia. In many respects, it's a strength, not a weakness in the Cathay Management style.
Personally, I have signed the consent form and made the necessary adjustments to my lifestyle to absorb a 17% pay-cut for 6 months, as have the majority of the aircrew here. If it's over before then, well-and-good. I will be happy to come back to work earlier than anticipated if it means full pay. If not, then we'll do whatever it takes to continue to operate, even if it means furloughs for the new joiners.
The WHO has well and truly done a number on Asia, Toronto and the develloping world, and the media have been willing partners in the biggest scam ever perpetrated - SARS. I predict a major overhaul of WHO in the near future and an enquiry into the role of the media in creating the mass-hysteria that followed the "travel advisory". This has been a disgrace.