The week old industrial dispute that's severely disrupted the operations of the airline Cathay Pacific is intensifying.

Trade union representatives have said the company's decision to sack 49 pilots will not deter them, and the work-to-rule will continue until a settlement is negotiated.

Following the Asian financial crisis in 1997, Cathay Pacific forced its aircrews to take pay cuts.

Last year the Hong Kong-based company made record profits, and the pilots now want a pay rise, and a change in working conditions.

The company says it will not be held to ransom. The BBC Hong Kong correspondent says the dispute is becoming increasingly bitter.

Thousands of passengers have had their flight delayed or cancelled and Hong Kong's government has expressed concern that the dispute is harming the territory's economy.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service