Busy

Well said.

I have ordered the book and wish JW all the best.

As someone who has been around this train set for quite a few years I will stick my oar into this thread, albeit with some trepidation.

There is more than enough blame to go around for everyone in the whole sorry episode.

There are, however, a few facts that seem to have vanished over time. Some of them still live in the search function of pprune but after a decade most young turks in CX have the gloss but not the detail.

Firstly we must start from the basic understanding that all history is revisionist.

The actions of management were basically unconscionable.I suspect no-one disputes that fact given their were D&G processes in the system. One only has to look at the list that IW gave to DG to get a feel for how amateur the whole process was.

That said, what is often overlooked is the fact that a strong majority of Star Chamber members were actually our professional colleagues. By my count 70%.

The DFO at the time is the key to this whole episode and hopefully spending his retirement with a good dose of insomnia (although I doubt it). He also should have hosed down the 'Peanut' incident but didn't.

He said to the senior Swire management that he would fix it.

JW always had a a bullseye on his forehead after taking a position at negotiations that 'this is a fish heads & rice offer' while we expect 'cabernet and caviar'. Not sure whether this is mentioned in the book but I must assume it is not.

KB said he would fix it and foolishly management accepted his bravado.

And as they say, the rest is history.

The 49ers, The True Story
 

The 49ers, The True Story
By John Warham
Published by Book Guild Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-8462-4587-9
£12.95 (hardback)

This book is a cautionary tale for all pilots, both union and non-union.

In it, John sets out his experience and career path prior to the events surrounding the 49ers debacle, thereafter giving a full and robustly frank account of exactly what happened in the lead up to, and after, the infamous sacking of that group from Cathay Pacific. He covers the years of conflict after the event, culminating in the legal defeat of Cathay Pacific in the courts and the full vindication of the unfortunate pilots whose employment was terminated. There are one or two areas where it is quite hard going (legal transcripts necessary to the story), but for the most part it is a riveting read and has some serious salutary lessons for all professional pilots. John writes in a matter for fact and down-to-earth manner, doesn’t mince words and calls a spade a shovel!

Names are named, and I believe the contents to be the frankest account that I have read concerning any union dispute in any industry. If BALPA was a school, it would be compulsory reading!

It will be available from Amazon on 24th March and I can heartily recommend it.

Sandy Easton
The Log

Anyone read it?
 

I am still waiting for my copy, has anyone read it yet?

Yes, read my Kindle copy. An excellent read John's background is interesting in its own right.:ok:

I understand hardcopy is slightly delayed.

The 49ers - Book
 

Well said!
:D

Hello,

We regret to inform you that the following items have been delayed as we are still awaiting stock from our suppliers :

John Warham "The 49ers"
Estimated arrival date: April 14 2011 - April 27 2011

One of Amazon's aims is to provide a convenient and efficient service; in this case, we have fallen short. Please accept our sincere apologies.

You have not been charged for this item. We do not debit money from your payment card until just before your items are dispatched. We will send you a dispatch confirmation email on the date of dispatch.

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More of a Critique, Please.
 

Thanks for your words, BusyB.

However, as one who is still awaiting his Amazon copy, I would appreciate an amplified, objective critique if you have the time. From anyone, actually.

I have great respect for the Cathay Pilots but I find it a little difficult to sympathise with any Professional Airline Pilot only flying 70 hours a month.


Not knocking it, you deserve the contract you negotiate for and obtain but, by most standards thats not a heavy workload !

Hey Stilton you smell of something.

Get up to date with what Cathay pilots really fly before you write stupid comments.

Or are you just stirring the pot cheese boy!

https://mail.google.com/a/aoagroup.o...16182_0.0.1&zw

was trying to post an ad for the book launch in HK on 21st of April at Bookazine in Princes Building, Central, 17:30.

The delay in printing or whatever is over.
Received my hardback copy (ordered from Amazon) yesterday.

A GREAT read.
 

Just finished this book after downloading it from Amazon onto the iPad. I read it constantly over the past few days and couldn't put it down until I had worked my way through to the last page. A great read.

As an outsider but someone closely linked to a few of the names mentioned and a frequent operator into HKG over the past 15 years I have a small insight into the validity of this book. It brought back some sad memories of the appalling way in which Cathay went from an admired airline that many of us would have loved to fly for, to a deep pit of animosity and despair that was occasioned by the awful behaviour of their management.

The book begins with John's account of his start in aviation which, although interesting, I found a little self serving. John had a colourful start in aviation but hardly unique and many have walked the same path. The book took off for me when he started his account of the dispute between management and the AOA. This starkly accurate and gripping story is one that is hard to believe except that I know it is true. The despicable actions of management are best read for oneself as to try to repeat them here would only dilute their impact. The book continues into a fascinating account of the legals that finally revealed to us all what lying bastards were employed by Swire to do their dirty work.

I finished the book with mixed feelings. The guilty had hardly been made to pay for their crimes whereas the victims of their vicious campaign paid dearly and continue to do so. Had CX management been tarred and feathered and paraded up and down the runway at Kai Tak before being drowned in the canal of sewage that ran down the side of the runway I might have felt satisfied. As it is, all I can hope is that this story is read by as many pilots as possible.

Join your Union and stick together for dear life or this story might just become yours!

As usual, I'm rostered 70 hours next month. I am sure there are many more. Go figure.

Good Review, Old Pilot
 

Thanks for the review, Old Pilot.

I couldn't wait for Amazon and read the e-version. It took me 3 days too - the hardback arrived on Day 3 :ok:

Your summary says it all. I think a non-aviator might gain some better perspective of the later chapters having read how a "typical" (ho-ho) pilot builds his career in the early days. I have to admit at having had quite a few chuckles at the beginning, too.

I wonder whether the "average" pilot will discount The 49ers' tale as boring history? It seems to me that the cycle continues today e.g. look at AHK freighters and compare with ASL. To me, like "On Wooden Wings" and "Flying the Line", John's story is almost as essential for a professional aviator as re-checking the memory items after leave. I think it will become a classic.

It's just too tempting not to highlight one chapter out of a 400+ page book: Chapter 23 "Betrayal". It starts with the quote by Winston Churchill: ‘An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile – hoping it will eat him last.’

It's rather tragic, but the actions taken in that chapter sealed the fate of The 49ers by turning the AOA's strategy around. So much for "Teamwork before all else. NO POLITICS! We are all on the same team; we succeed or fail as a team".

I feel - looking at the overall result - the AOA failed as a team. The fact that the "opposition" broke the Law isn't really relevant - we should have been able to deal with it and produce a better outcome. Those Judas's amongst us should hang their heads in shame. Those sucked in by the Judas' spin have learned a bitter lesson. Let everyone else learn from those mistakes - we can't afford to keep re-inventing the wheel in unionism.

Unfortunately, I'm flying tomorrow and will be unable to make the book-signing, so will miss the tea and biccies at Bookazine. Nonetheless, I congratulate John Warham, on not only an excellent book, but also for such inspirational leadership over some 15 years.

Court of Final Appeal here we come!

(PS If you haven't read it -do so!)

Dear Cathay colleagues,
I will have a layover in HKG 21./22. Apr.
Will the book be available in most HKG book stores
or is there a special place to get it?
Thanks
16

It's available in Bookazine, Dymocks, Swindon and the airport.

If you're in HK on evening of 21st then you should take advantage of the book signing at 5.30pm, Bookazine, 3/F Prince's Building (Central).

Thanks a lot!
Unfortunately I will only be landing around 0530loc.
16

Gobbleydegook: You hit on an area that may not have been clarified in the book.
The initial industrial action,IIRC, took the form of a type of contract compliance ( WOE campaign - withdrawal of enthusiasm ) The AOA then instigated, perhaps under the influence of advice given by ALPA, several days of "mass sick-outs". This was never admitted by the AOA as being industrial action - the official line was "our members are too stressed to come to work".
The logic being that you can not be fired whilst on sick leave.

This in my opinion was a grave error of strategy which precipitated the backlash from DT. A dirty response to underhand, unacknowledged tactics.

The Handover,

A first post and look at what you're saying. Not much O2 up there i guess:D

Some reviews...
 

Here are some reviews from the Amazon website. If you've read the book then please share your thoughts on Amazon.



I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting (well, lie in actually, jet-lagged in a hotel).

I was, like Kelvin, in Hong Kong when the earlier events related in this book took place: pilots and engineers demoted or dismissed for minor or non-existent errors or differences in opinion. Also like Kelvin, I had the opportunity to leave before the disgraceful events of 2001 took place. Several of my friends were dismissed as 49ers but I didn't really appreciate how awful things were until I read this book.

This should be compulsory reading for all airline pilots, particularly those considering a move to HKG.

Well done John, great book!

Chris Parker.



John's book should be compulsory reading for all commercial pilots ( union and non-union alike). There are , also , salutory lessons there-in for other industry employees . It is gritty and sets out the FACTS about the debacle that was the sacking of the 49'ers from Cathay Pacific all those years ago. John calls it as he sees it and a spade is definitely a shovel. His writing is matter of fact , yet still holds his reader gripped by the twisting and wriggling of the developing court-case. Pilots need to read this on their next stop-over and their wives will enjoy it too.. mine did!
Airline managers would do well to read and learn from this also, remembering John's assertion that with responsibility comes ACCOUNTABILITY!
Do not hesitate to buy this book, you will find it a superb read.

Sandy Easton.



This is a sad story, and also an uplifting one about the resilience of the human spirit when faced with dramatic changes to their lives. I have to declare an interest here, as I was a 747 Captain with Cathay Pacific but retired before this whole issue came to a head. In fact, had I not done so, I'm convinced that I also would have been one of the 49ers!

The fascinating thing for me is the exposure of all the "behind the scenes" activity in this book. As a Member of the Union, I was only told what I needed to know and trust my colleagues to do their best for me. This I happily did - along with many others. The revelations about false information, deceit, disregard for the welfare of the crews and arrogance of Management is an object lesson for all. The transcripts of the Court case are fascinating - you can virtually see Cathay Management wriggling on the hook as their falsehoods are dissected with the rapier of a very competent QC!

There are lessons for all to be learnt here. A fascinating read, and not only for those in the aviation world.

Kelvin Sharman.



This book gripped me from the very beginning; for me, it was one of those "couldn't put it down" reads. It may well serve as an unofficial aviation bible for anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to the author. It will also appeal to the layman as Mr. Warham has written the book in a no nonsense way and done away with the `bells and whistles'.

The book starts with the author explaining how he got into aviation and worked his way up through the ranks and became a senior pilot on the Boeing 747 with Cathay Pacific Airways. Later, as well as being a pilot, Mr. Warham also became a prominent member of the HKAOA (Hong Kong Aircrew Officer Association) and then the Chief Negotiator with the CPU (Cathay Pilots Union). Whilst holding this position with the unions their main aim was to negotiate a better rostering practice for the pilots in an attempt to make the operation safer for themselves and the passengers they carried, and to reduce the stress the pilot's were under, which can ultimately cause something known as `cumulative fatigue'. The senior management however had little interest in the union's efforts and their pleas went largely ignored.

Cathay Pacific then sacked 49 pilots and in effect threw them out of their jobs and defamed them in the press and industry at large to the point where they became virtually unemployable. Cathay claimed that they were not sacked because of their union activities but because they were "not acting in the company's best interests", something the 49ers vehemently disagreed with and they eventually proved that this was not the case.

In a bitter twist and at a crucial point in the negotiations the union is suddenly split and one of the author's union colleagues and best friends, who also fought for the same issues and sat by his side throughout the negotiations, jumps ship without mentioning his intentions and tries to set up a break-away union on his own. This only serves to undo a lot of work which had taken years to set up just when it seemed the CPU were making progress with the Cathay management.

Throughout his career Mr. Warham obviously tried to uphold and pass on valuable legacies handed down to him by his father and his Uncle, who both fought in the RAF in WWII, and people in the industry who left a lasting impression on him. Two great quotes in this book are "the best we can hope for is to put as much back into it as we derive from it and leave our profession in a better condition than when we entered it", and later on when some of the senior Cathay management find themselves on the witness stand and wishing they were somewhere else entirely is "with responsibility comes accountability".

The author reveals how the Director of Flight Operations for Cathay Pacific at the time had a degree in `Zoology' - go figure! - and no experience whatsoever in the aviation industry prior to joining the airline. He explains how he'd seen the airline go from working with the staff to working against them, and he lays the blame squarely with the men at the top, The Swires of London, for their mismanagement of the airline.

I had some (what I later found out to be) misconceptions not only about commercial pilots but also the airline industry itself. I now have a better understanding of how the aviation industry operates and also how the legal system works in Hong Kong, and for me this book was a real eye-opener.

A very important point made by the 49ers (only 18 of them "the hard men" managed to stay the full course and later termed themselves the `Band Of Brothers') was that at no time had any of them breached the terms of their contracts. Mr. Warham states, as it currently stands no one employed in Hong Kong from any profession, regardless of their seniority within that company, can expect any protection from their contract of employment. As, in a court of law in Hong Kong their contract will be worthless. The author tells how he's still a shareholder in Cathay Pacific and how he would one day like the airline to succeed and be an airline that people are proud to represent.

A very well-written book that left me wondering whether or not there will be a sequel.

Bluetooth Whizz.

Facts not Fiction
 

Having read the book, which was at pains to separate fact from fiction, and perused the judgments, I feel a little clarification is required following on from The Handover's and BuzzBox's comments.

Firstly, 4 independent referees (i.e. the HK judges to date), have summarised the events - or the history. There is no evidence put forward by the Company of any "sick-out" immediately prior to 9th July 2001.

The line of "our members are too stressed to come to work" was back in 1999, and was a result of CPA having given termination notices to 700 pilots. Fair call, I would say.

Contract Compliance (CC) had been on and off for about 5 years. The WOE campaign was in about 1987…

The Handover is correct that you shouldn't be fired whilst on sick leave (Employment Ordinance protection) however you do have to report one day… one of The 49ers was fired immediately on return to work on 11th July. Therefore, the other 49ers all must have been at work on 9th July - so hardly a "mass sick-out".

There is plenty of oral evidence from the likes of Tyler, Chen, Barley and Rhodes that The 49ers were fired pursuant to the union EGM decision to take Limited Industrial Action (LIA) - "the trigger" as one of the judges remarks. On 3rd July Maximum Safety Strategy (MSS) was implemented - all of which was about operations and nothing to do with sick leave procedures.

So, all in all, I'm afraid the facts don't support The Handover's statements, sorry, except for the "backlash" and "dirty response" to which I would say followed "above board, published tactics" i.e. CC, LIA and MSS.

However, I'm not going to disagree with BuzzBox as I can't vouch either way - except I do recall that Rhodes published a graph showing "spikes" in sick rates - but these were all AFTER 9th July. I agree that the Company was backed into a corner - Tyler, Chen and Rhodes testified as much.

The main difference is that the AOA and its members were taking LEGAL action and CPA management took ILLEGAL action. It seems, however, that it is the "innocent" victims that have suffered the most.

Book launch
 

Not sure how many of you went to this The 49ers Book Launch but their entire stock was sold out.

John reads this forum. If he wants to contact you, he will.

Just got the book as a b"day pressie and it is a seriously good read. I was there through it all, but obviously did not know what went on behind the scenes. What did is riveting.

I recommend this to anyone who is a pilot or a member of a union or staff association around the world. It shows the appalling lengths some people in management positions will go to in the hope of advancing their careers, the sheer idiocy of some of them (the GFI is a classic of this) and the morale fibre and dogged determination (and bravery in the case of KAL and PAL) that is required to be a principal officer of a pilots association.

I had always assumed that some of the management that I have worked for over the years were striving for the moral low ground. Captain Warham allows me to see that I was right.

Edited to add; Buzzboz, you miss the point. The AOA did not instigate sickouts. I was there. They did not even condone an individual having a sickout. The stress on going to work was palpable, and I saw several pilots whom in my opinion should not have been flying. The honest ones stayed home, and some became 49'rs.

As a witness to the Papa India argument, I am very sensitive to stress and the ability to fly safely.

Dear John Warham,
I just bought your book going through HKG and I have to say: you ruined my 2 next layover rests. I couldn't put it down! What a read, what an eye opener when it comes to modern management, it clearly shows that a lot of things we suspect ,but normally believe they couldn't be true, are indeed going on behind closed doors in those ivory towers.
I had the pleasure to fly with one CPA retiree B.H. mentioned in your book
when all hell broke loose with you guys and he told me lot of the background then. So I was very interested in the whole story, which you filled in now.
Thank you very much sir,
all the best to you and your fellows!
16

16down, which book shop at the airport did you purchase it from? I tried at the airport some nights back (both sides of immigration) and no stock.

Didn't buy it at the airport, bought it in Swindon's in Kowloon.
Best regards,
16

I flew with John many years ago. Old school which meant didn't take SH1t which was a good thing at times but also a steep authority gradient, so he has never been my 'cup-of-tea'. However I am half way though the book and think it is excellent and hard to put down. Well written and having lived through the cr#p of the 90's and into 1999 and 2001+ I find it interesting and acurate as to the facts. I was angry at the time as to how the company treated us and also unhappy with the AOA leadership on occasion but I would like to say well done to John for this book and a good record of stressful times.

KAL FCU
 

Oh and an update on the KAL FCU....

John doesn't mention that several of the committee went to jail in 2001 and that a handful never got their jobs back. The union members are STILL paying them "subsistence" - until they are 55.

The management succeeded in splitting the union in 2005: ex-military versus Cheju Flying School-trained; the latter are in the FCU.

Nowadays, ex-military guys get their commands 3 years quicker than the Cheju guys.

And if you are a union committee member, you get a special pre-command assessment and automatically get another 2 years added i.e. 14 years as F/O before command course. I agree with you Moosp - bravery, moral fibre and dogged determination.

I just finished the book and WOW what a great read, thanks John.

I'm ashamed I didn't join the CPU, Im ashamed the AOA fooled us into abandoning you guys. MG won't look the same to me anymore:=

All the best for your return to the brotherhood :ok:

NP

Yes Buzz box we heard you the first time, do you have any proof of a sickout? Cathay claimed the same thing; maybe that is why they got charged with defamation?:=:=

As in the KAL union, commands were delayed for being a union member in Cathay Pacific, it’s called being Cat B’d for an undetermined amount of time and for no reason.:(

If NR could have put someone in jail, he would have. He tried to get the 49ers evicted from their home so jail would have been his next move.:yuk:

I wonder what MG got in return for abandoning the 49ers: a base, a work visa, a chalet, a promise……………………..?:hmm:

Nothing like leaving your mark on Aviation History.:ok:

Buzbox,

I'm sure no-one is doubting your memory.






I think what Bloggs was saying is that sometimes it might be better to leave things alone....

The book
 

John, very good work. i really would like to send you a letter or e mail if you would not mind.

The 49ers Book Signing
 

Here's another chance to get a signed copy of the book. Dymocks HK The 49ers Book Signing. It's at the Sai Kung branch on Friday the 20th. Scroll down the page to find the poster.

A highly accurate and detailed account of the troubled times of Cathay Pacific from the early 1990s' to 2010.

The lying managers are named and the book includes Court transcripts of those who perjured themselves. Some of these guys are still working with the company.

A must read for all current and past employees of Cathay Pacific, other Swire companies and every other airline.

If you don't get around to reading the book and learn what happened, it will be your loss and may ultimately even cost you your job as well.

Yes, I agree.

Good book, great read, even better summary of what shenanigans here pass as mangment (sic)....

Well done, John.


:ok:

e version seems to be available only in Kindle .azw format and I've a Sony Reader which, AFAIK,doesn't handle that.
Anyone know if it's available in epub/pdf/txt ?

...I believe there is one other individual who has a Sony reader.....somewhere in Upper Mongolia.... :}

Basil, if you have an iPhone you may be able to download the Kindle app and read it on your mobile.

Failing that just purchase a hard copy from eBay/Amazon etc. I'd recommend it to anyone that works in the industry.

In fact, I'm going to get a hard copy for reference purposes. :}

Air Profit,
Yes, it was foc from son who dumped it to buy Kindle :hmm:
OTOH also acquired his old EOS 20D :ok:

Smell the Coffee,
No i-Phone. Still waiting for one of kids to upgrade - and I'm not even from Aberdeen ;)