Past airline strikes spotlighted amid new strike threat

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taoyuan Union of Pilots cautioned on Thursday (Jan. 25) that strikes planned at EVA Air in February and March could disrupt travel during the Lunar New Year holiday and Tomb-Sweeping Day.

EVA Air pilots in Taiwan have secured the right to strike following a union vote on Jan. 22. Out of 910 voters, 900 supported the strike, while 10 opposed it. This development in labor relations may lead to the fourth-ever airline strike in Taiwan, impacting the aviation industry's history.

In the past, Taiwan has witnessed three notable airline strikes. In June 2016, China Airlines flight attendants launched a three-day strike with 96% union support, affecting 122 flights and 30,000 passengers and resulting in revenue losses of about NT$280 million. 

In 2019, China Airlines pilots conducted a week-long strike during the Lunar New Year, with over 600 pilots participating, leading to 163 canceled flights, affecting 27,000 passengers, and NT$500 million in losses. 

In the same year, EVA Air flight attendants held a 17-day strike, the longest in aviation history, with 90% union support, causing 1,440 flight cancellations, impacting 280,000 travelers, and incurring a cost of NT＄2.78 billion.

Amid concerns about a potential strike during this year's Lunar New Year, some travel agents' associations are urging the company to issue a one-month notice to minimize potential damages.