Pilots fly into trouble

CHINA'S Eastern Airlines admitted on Monday that some pilots at its Yunnan branch deliberately turned back midway through their flights, in a rare strike action demanding higher pay. Last Monday, 18 flights returned to their departure points in Yunnan Province, affecting more than 1,000 passengers. Media reports said that the pilots were protesting over their pay and working conditions. Two senior officials of the Yunnan branch have been sacked. The Civil Aviation Administration of China said on Sunday severe penalties will be imposed on the pilots who are found to have disrupted the flights on purpose.

from:21stcentury