Ladies and Gentlemen,

We're one-quarter of the way through the Election campaign and, at the risk of overloading you with messages, I think I need to write directly to our pilots who've joined in the last 7 years.

I've been in contact with many of you over the last week and you've confirmed what many of us already knew: management seem happy that your pay and CoS is "about right" and you don't agree. I have noticed that many of you, near JFO level in particular, have high morale and are enjoying yourselves working for a large, expanding airline and all that has to offer. However, many of you have also thought further ahead and have recognised that your package is not competitive when one considers all factors, including retirement provisions. Now that many junior officers view Cathay once again as a career airline, it must offer to you just that - an industry standard career package through to retirement.

Management will continue to reject these notions. That is their job. However, we must continue to state our case. That's your Association's job. I have a responsibility to try my best to pass on to you the good prospects that my predecessors passed on to us.

I will not make "election promises" that cannot be backed with reason. What is unreasonable is that half of our members continue to receive less than a competitive package, whilst our Company makes increasingly record profits. I'm not an economist, but - one week before the end of the first-half cycle - I would not be at all surprised if our Company makes in excess of HK$4.5 billion profit this year, and maybe nearer HK$5.5 billion. Continuing with below average pay and exceedingly poor retirement provisions will be indefensible morally and, possibly, practically.

Any practical difference you can make will only be through our Association and it will take a year's preparation. If we're going to do anything about your conditions, we need to be organised, efficient, reasonable, and prepared for the hard grind. That will depend upon you.

My message is simple. You've read the manifestos and the major difference in emphasis is that I am campaigning on ENERGY.  Ted, my friend, is standing for his third consecutive year - after 2 already very exhausting and demanding years. Whilst laying down the foundation for a stronger, bigger, more effective union, we have an excellent opportunity in the immediate future and we must not waste it.  I'm refreshed, enthusiastic and ready to go. So let's do it! If you haven't met me, may I suggest that, before you cast your vote, you chat to some of the other pilots who've known me for some time.

One promise I can give is that I'll do my best to represent your views with personal vigour and the support of a focussed, new, representative Committee. But you need to elect me first.

Best regards

Nigel Demery  

23^rd June 2000

2000 Hyperlinks

[Election News] [Encouraging Messages] [Company Interest] [Ted's Manifesto] [Basee Message] [Post-93 Message] [Nigel's Home Page] [Vortices]

[BACK TO ELECTION 2002]