Pay relativity for airline staff working out of different countries - is it fair?

Question

I just read a newspaper article about a NewZealand airline that flies to China. It employs some Chinese nationals as FAs (who are based in China). These people get only a quarter of the basic salary (and about half the travel allowance) that is paid to FAs based in NZ because of 'market relativity' - ie) the cost of living is much cheaper in China. Do you think this is fair?

Answer 1

If the Chinese workers know this fact and still apply for the job, yes.

Answer 2

Well, the problem is that we are in an International world and our normal ways of operating don't really apply.

The problem is that while it may appear unfair, the Chinese staff are getting a decent salary for their country. If we stick to exact equivalent pay then the Chinese staff will not get as many opportunities. On the other hand, the airlines will favour less qualfied staff chinese staff over better NZ staff because of the pay difference.

The real problem is that a Chinese airline could use all Chinese staff (most with University degrees) pay them much less than the NZ airline and undercut the foriegn airlines.

Change involves pain and we have to endure this pain while working for a better tomorrow.

Answer 3

Of course its fair. Jeez. Global economy you see.

Answer 4

totally unfair...

i thought such things happen only in india...

Answer 5

you'd be surprise for china nationals working in Singapore as mechanics around 3-6 hundred USD/mo. They're taking it and it still is high compared to their salary at home.

Answer 6

China is communist. They're not supposed to want money anyway.