Source: The Standard Author: Scarlett Chiang 01/08/2010
Subject Concerned: Aircrew Airlines Human Resource
On Jan. 7, about 60 United Airlines (UA) flight attendants protested at Chek Lap Kok airport, joining colleagues around the world in picketing the carrier over management's failure to negotiate a new contract on-time.
The protesters said it is not right for the chief executive and senior management to reward themselves with millions of dollars in bonuses but not give them a contract that allows their families a decent lifestyle.
Carrying placards that read "Pay cuts 7 years too long", they chanted slogans as they walked around the UA counter.
They said they are angry that executives are still collecting bonuses, while workers were forced to endure pay cuts since United filed for bankruptcy protection in 2002.
The local president of the Association of Flight Attendants, Jack Kande, said members' contracts should have been amended on Jan. 7 to end the pay cuts, improve working conditions, and restore the pension plan cancelled seven years ago.
UA attendants also protested in Frankfurt, London, Tokyo and the United States.