Representing the 2,200 Hong Kong based pilots, HKAOA and Labour Department officials met today to discuss whether Cathay Pacific had complied with the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance regarding the restructuring.

HKAOA officials challenged Cathay Pacific's 28 October deadline for a career, life-defining decision by Cathay Pacific pilots. The decision involves whether to sign a vastly inferior new Employment Contract which shows permanent salary reductions of up to 58 per cent or have their existing Employment Contracts terminated.

Said the Labour Department; "The employer should consult and secure consent from its employees prior to varying the terms of their employment contracts. Failing to do so may constitute unreasonable variation of the employment contractual terms."

Said HKAOA general secretary Chris Beebe: "No consultation has occurred between the HKAOA and Cathay Pacific. Further, the requirement to sign a new contract in such an unrealistic, very short period is grossly unfair, after which termination is automatic."

Mr Beebe said the lack of consultation was unfair and rushed and question whether consent can legitimately be given under these circumstances are of great concern".

He said the situation is extremely serious both for our membership and for Hong Kong's global reputation which relies on ensuring employment conditions meet recognised international standards.

"We are asking for action by the Labour Department to make sure Cathay Pacific lives by the rules," Mr Beebe said.