Cathay strike

TALKS in Hong Kong between Cathay Pacific Airways and striking cabin crew broke down after more than 12 hours yesterday as the management insisted on its right to dismiss staff involved in the action. Neither side gave any indication of when negotiations to try to end the strike, now in its 11th day, were likely to resume.

Cathay, one of the world's most profitable airlines, is controlled by Hong Kong's Swire Group. The Chinese government holds a 12.5 per cent stake.

As the union planned its next move, more than 100 flight attendants continued to brave the cold and rain to keep up a marathon sit-in outside the residence of the colony's Governor, Chris Patten. The protesters are calling for him to intervene to persuade Cathay to drop its demands for the right of dismissal.