TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — EVA Air pilots, represented by the Taoyuan Union of Pilots, secured the right to strike on Monday morning (Jan. 22).
The decision comes after a vote involving 910 union members. An overwhelming 900 pilots voted in favor of the strike, with only ten opposing.
The union demands a 20 percent salary increase, a raise in international allowances from US$3.30 to US$6 per hour for pilots, and a cessation of full-time foreign pilots recruitment.
Without an agreement between the union and EVA Air, the strike could occur earliest during the Lunar New Year Holidays, potentially disrupting flights to major cities in Europe, the United States, and Canada.
The union has committed to giving customers a 24-hour notice before the strike. It also added that it remains open to negotiation.
In a statement, EVA Air said it would not give up negotiations with the union and had established an emergency response team.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, another negotiation between labor and management will be held on Wednesday.