By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
In addition to inspecting ground staff, China Airlines Chairman He qVxuan also observed that the ground crew has had their hands full dealing with various passenger situations over the past two days. On February 9th, China Airlines and the union held negotiations, with participation from the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the Ministry of Labor. Whether consensus will be reached to halt the strike has become a focal point.
The sudden announcement of this strike by China Airlines pilots has been dubbed a “surprise strike,” and there are several key points that travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers should pay close attention to.
1. Regulations on strike notices for aviation personnel
Compared to other countries — such as France requiring a 24-hour notice, the UK 7 days, Japan 10 days, and Canada 17 days — Taiwan currently has no regulation on strike notice periods. This leaves many travelers facing sudden pilot strikes without enough time to adjust, resulting in numerous inconveniences, complaints, and even no compensation whatsoever.
2. Will travel inconvenience insurance cover it?
Since labor strikes occur in many countries — especially with airlines like Air France, where strikes are not uncommon and flight delays frequently happen — many insurance companies offer compensation for flight delays under travel inconvenience insurance. It’s important to note that only insurance purchased before the strike is valid. As for the causes of flight delays, they can be divided into human and natural factors. When purchasing travel insurance, it's wise to confirm these details to avoid being ineligible for compensation.
3. Flight safety during the strike
Due to staff shortages caused by the strike, with even dispatchers being called in for emergency support, there are concerns about fatigue-related flights and potential risks to aviation safety. Therefore, passengers need to carefully consider whether to take flights during the strike period.
4. Travel agency compensation issues
If you purchased a travel package that includes flights operated by the striking airline, which then affects the normal progress of your itinerary — or even leaves travelers stranded overseas unable to return to Taiwan — the travel agency may have to absorb the losses. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation has required travel agencies to seek compensation from China Airlines, but travel agencies have complained that it will be difficult to get reimbursement from China Airlines in the future, and they may even band together to protest against the airline.
Additionally, this strike has drawn attention to the treatment of pilots. For example, China Airlines’ captains earn a minimum monthly salary of NT$340,000, first officers NT$200,000, along with other subsidies, allowances, and benefits like discounted flights for family and friends. As a result, many passengers feel that the treatment isn’t bad, and thus are quite displeased and hold a negative view when their travel plans and rights are disrupted by surprise strikes.
Press release from the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation on February 9th:
1. Regarding the cancellation of China Airlines pilot strike flights causing some travelers to be stranded overseas, which led to misunderstandings among some travel industry associations, the Tourism Bureau provides supplementary clarification: it is a contractual obligation, not a requirement by the Ministry of Transportation or this bureau, to not charge stranded fees. This is explicitly stipulated in Article 2, Paragraph 5 of Article 514 of the Civil Code. Moreover, this issue has been extensively discussed in the past with the travel industry and consumer protection groups.
2. In the aforementioned case, where a travel group departs and is subsequently stranded overseas due to the cancellation of China Airlines pilot strike flights, it is truly an event not attributable to either the travelers or the travel agency. To protect the rights of travelers, according to Point 20 of the Mandatory and Prohibited Clauses in Foreign Travel Standard Contracts, and Clause 26 of the Foreign Travel Standard Contract, it is clearly stated: “If, during the trip, due to force majeure or events not attributable to the travel agency, it is impossible to carry out the scheduled itinerary, transportation, accommodation, meals, or tour items, to ensure the safety and interests of the travel group, the travel agency may modify the itinerary, tour items, or change accommodation or transportation. Any additional costs incurred shall not be charged to the traveler, and any reduced costs shall be refunded to the traveler. If the traveler does not agree to the changes in the itinerary mentioned above, they may terminate the contract and request the travel agency to advance the costs to send them back to the place of departure, which they must repay with interest upon arrival.” The handling of this case follows the same approach as previous cases and is not different just because of this strike.
3. For this China Airlines pilot strike incident, we thank all travel agencies for their full assistance and response, ensuring that travelers are taken care of. As for the food, accommodation, and transportation expenses incurred overseas, which are losses caused by the China Airlines strike, they can be properly handled according to the contracts between the travel agencies and China Airlines. Later on, assistance can also be sought through travel industry associations and quality assurance associations to help travel agencies negotiate with China Airlines and claim damages. The Tourism Bureau will provide appropriate assistance during the negotiation process.
4. Additionally, the Tourism Bureau also urges China Airlines to properly handle the losses suffered by travelers and travel agencies due to this pilot strike incident.
China Airlines Union’s Surprise Strike Insists on Five Key Demands
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