BA’s Hong Kong Cabin Crew Haven’t Had a Raise in 18 Years, Threaten Suit

Hong Kong-based British Airways crew haven’t seen a salary increase since 1998, but the woman at the head of their union is angling for change.

It’s been 18 years since their last raise, but British Airways’ (BA) Hong Kong-based cabin crew are hoping that negotiations set for later this month could finally bring an end to the pay drought.

It was revealed on Monday in the South China Morning Post that many of the 100-strong crew members have not seen a salary increase since 1998.

Carol Ng Man-yee, general secretary of the BA Hong Kong International Cabin Crew Association, the body representing the carrier’s Hong Kong-based crew, is determined to fight her members’ cause.

“We have already sought legal advice and there is a huge chance we will win. We are not afraid,” she told the paper.

While Ng has said that the union has approached the carrier many times over the years on the subject of pay, these entreaties have been rebuffed.

“The management has been saying that our packages are too good. But their packages are good as well. Why are they getting raises?” asked Ng.

The paper reports that, at present, half of BA Hong Kong staff make over HK$30,000 ($3,862) per month after flying expenses. The other half are contract workers, whose basic salary is only HK$5,840 ($752) and HK$20,000 ($2,575) per month after flying expenses are added in.

While staff based in the city haven’t received a raise in nearly two decades, crew from other BA bases around the world have received raises throughout the years, and so Ng is considering suing the airline for discrimination.

While a pay raise is the ultimate goal, Ng’s first step is to get the carrier to officially recognize the BA Hong Kong International Cabin Crew Association. Only then, she believes, will she be in a position to negotiate favorably on issues such as pay and contracts.

Responding to these claims, a BA representative told the paper, “We have carried out research that indicates that our cabin crew in Hong Kong receive a generous package… Our permanent members of crew received an increase in pay earlier this year and are also entitled to a number of flying allowances the value of which has been increased over the years.”

[Photo: British Airways]