No booze, food or even smiles — Cathay Pacific passengers could be in for a chilly reception from flight attendants this holiday season. Cabin staff are threatening to withhold all of the above as well as action that could potentially cause flight delays, all because of a pay dispute, its union announced today. It’ll be a stark break from Cathay’s usual reputation of great service and prove to be quite a headache for the airline.

The Associated Press says staffers are demanding a 5% pay increase but Cathay Pacific has only offered up a 2% increase and a 13th month bonus.

The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union voted to approve the actions and will announce soon if it will be carried out.

“We may not provide alcoholic drinks to our passengers, or we may not even provide meals to passengers,” said the union’s general secretary, adding that it would advise passengers to bring their own snacks and cocktails.

And then there’s the emotional tactic of refusing to act happy or greet travelers.

“We cannot smile because of the situation, because of how the company treats us,” added the secretary. That makes us sad just reading it.

The airline has responded by taking out ads in Hong Kong newspapers saying it’s going to wait to hear from the union about further talks, saying “We fully understand how important it is not to disrupt passengers at this busy time.”

Cathay crew threaten no smiles, booze on flights [Associated Press]

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