EVA Air union demands fair wages as company profits soar

TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — EVA Air union members stood in the pouring rain outside the company's Taoyuan offices on Wednesday (Aug. 16) to protest against the lack of bonuses received this year despite the businesses' record profits.

The group, consisting of many entry-level employees, pointed out the discrepancies in other airline companies, where employees saw pay raises after a profitable year. They indicated the irony of the situation after EVA Air reported a record-high annual revenue surpassing NT＄13.2 billion on Aug. 15.

Looking at other airline companies, Tigerair Taiwan achieved record highs in June and July for two consecutive months, with passenger capacity surging over 90%. 

With a total revenue of NT＄5.4 billion and a net profit of around NT＄700 million, Tigerair Taiwan distributed mid-year bonuses of NT＄50,000 to NT＄100,000 per employee. Meanwhile, China Airlines' consolidated revenue In the first half of the year totaled around NT＄89.88 billion, marking an annual increase of 21.33%, with a net profit of NT＄4.8 billion. 

As a result, CAL's Board of Directors resolved to adjust the employees' salary starting on September 1, with a NT＄2,000 raise for all employees. EVA Air Union Chairperson Lee Ying asked EVA Air to learn from other airlines and adjust employee wages.

"All employees of the EVA Airway Corps should receive a total annual salary adjustment; we hope that it will be no less than NT＄5,000," she said. 

EVA Air later responded, promising to evaluate employee wages and benefits periodically, and will adjust accordingly starting on January 1, 2024.