China Airlines flight attendants go on strike! Tourism Bureau announces “refund principles for tour group participants”

Tourism Center / Taipei Report




▲ China Airlines flight attendants announce strike. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

Refund Principles for Tour Group Participants Amid China Airlines Union Strike

Regarding the breakdown of negotiations between the Taoyuan City Flight Attendants’ Union and China Airlines on labor demands, with a strike by union members scheduled to commence at midnight on the 24th. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau stated that to protect the rights and interests of travelers, after discussions with the Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee, the Travel Agents Association of the Republic of China (National Travel Agents Association), and the Travel Quality Assurance Association (Travel Industry QA Association), the following refund principles for tour group cancellations are agreed upon:

1. Before departure: The strike is considered a force majeure event or circumstances not attributable to either the travel agency or the traveler. According to Clause 28 of the Standard Form Contract for Overseas Tours: “If the performance of all or part of this contract becomes impossible due to force majeure or circumstances not attributable to either party, all or part of the contract may be terminated without liability for damages.”The travel agency (Party B) shall refund the remaining balance to the traveler (Party A) after deducting any fees already paid on behalf of the traveler or necessary expenses incurred in fulfilling the contract.However, both parties should promptly notify the other party and explain the reasons once they become aware that the travel activities cannot proceed; failure to notify in a timely manner resulting in damage to the other party shall incur liability for compensation. This is handled in accordance with the above regulation.

2. After departure: In the event that travelers are unable to return to Taiwan as originally scheduled due to the China Airlines strike, resulting in additional lodging expenses, according to Clause 31 of the Standard Form Contract for Overseas Tours:the travel agency shall bear these costs and must not charge the traveler. The travel agency should also properly arrange for travelers to take alternative flights back to Taiwan.

3. If travelers and travel agencies encounter unresolved consumer disputes regarding contract cancellations and refunds, they may submit relevant receipts and contracts in writing to the Travel Quality Assurance Association (78 Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd., Taipei, 11F) or the Tourism Bureau (290 Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei, 9F) for appeal; for related travel inquiries, you may call our toll-free line 0800-211734 or the Travel Quality Assurance Association complaint hotline 02-25068185.

The Tourism Bureau also stated that it has requested the National Travel Agents Association, the Taipei Travel Agents Association, and the Travel Quality Assurance Association to fully assist outbound travel agencies in arranging alternative flights or rejoining other tour groups for travelers during the China Airlines strike period, in order to minimize losses.

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