Pilots refuse to end dispute

CATHAY Pacific’s pilots’ union has rejected a management offer to settle the Hong Kong airline’s drawn-out dispute over 49 fired pilots.

Cathay offered the pilots interviews with the firm or 10 months’ severance pay on condition the union halts three lawsuits, challenging the dismissals. The pilots were sacked in 2001 as crews launched protests over wages and scheduling.

Cathay’s offer was rejected in a 517-292 vote, or by 64%, short of the required two- thirds majority, union general secretary John Findlay said.