The linked article appears on the SCMP front page this morning. Open to page 3, and there is an article about expats in Asia. Concerning accommodation ... "One respondent described the cost as absurd".
When HPE was announced, I was quietly hopeful, ... as the premise is looking for WIN/WIN scenarios. Concessions from BOTH sides, seeking the greatest good for ALL. After 20+ years my naivety was stunning.
Despite the propaganda, Cathay's pain is short term. It is the cost of GAMBLING on fuel and currency. Instead they look for long term savings from its primary workforce.
Walk away. Do nothing. Sign nothing.