Text by / MOOK Scenic Family compiled report
Image / China Airlines
As the talks broke down without resolution, the China Airlines Pilots’ Union continued the strike action, with the number of submitted certification forms reaching 500 — meaning one-third of China Airlines pilots have joined the strike. This makes it even more difficult for the airline to maintain normal flight operations.
Due to insufficient manpower, concerns about reduced flight staffing have emerged. The pilots’ union also reminded China Airlines to prioritize flight safety (the union advocates for three pilots on flights longer than seven hours, but the airline only agrees to assign three for flights over eight hours). This disagreement on that issue has prevented any further discussion on other demands, making it naturally difficult for the talks to proceed.
With the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, the return of travelers to Taiwan and their needs for tourism or business trips abroad have made ground staff even busier due to the strike. On February 10th, 200 China Airlines ground staff gathered at the Ministry of Transportation to protest against the impact of the pilots’ union strike on passenger rights. Their working conditions have also been severely tested. However, there are doubts that this protest was organized by China Airlines’ internal management, calling on employees who disagree with the strike to show up, rather than being initiated by front-line ground staff.
When the strike will end is a question many passengers are asking. The China Airlines Pilots’ Union has now received 500 certification forms from pilots and has demonstrated resolve for the strike and their demands. The chairman of China Airlines has slightly softened his stance, saying “everything is negotiable.” When the negotiations can be concluded quickly to end this strike has become the focus of attention across Taiwan.