Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
Photo by China Airlines
As negotiations failed and broke down, the China Airlines Pilots Union continued its strike action, with over 600 qualification certificates submitted—meaning more than one-third of China Airlines pilots have joined the strike, making it even harder for the airline to maintain normal flight operations.
Due to staffing shortages, concerns about reduced flight crews have emerged. The Pilots Union also urged China Airlines to prioritize flight safety (the union advocates for three pilots on flights over seven hours, while the airline only agrees to three pilots for flights over eight hours). This disagreement has prevented further discussion of other demands, making progress in negotiations nearly impossible.
With the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, returning passengers and those traveling or conducting business abroad have increased demand, putting additional pressure on ground staff due to the strike. On February 10, 200 China Airlines ground staff gathered at the Ministry of Transportation to protest the Pilots Union strike, which has affected passenger rights and severely strained the working conditions of frontline staff. However, some have questioned whether this protest was organized by China Airlines' internal management, calling on employees who disagree with the strike to participate, rather than representing grassroots ground staff.
When the strike will end remains a major question for many passengers. The China Airlines Pilots Union has received 600 qualification certificates from pilots, demonstrating their determination to continue the strike and fight for their demands. China Airlines' chairman has slightly softened his stance, stating that "everything is negotiable," with a second round of negotiations scheduled for 5 PM on Monday, February 11. When this strike will end has become a focal point for the entire nation.