TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) announced potential fines up to NT$1.5 million (around US$49,020) for EVA Air (長榮航空) following a flight attendant's death after returning from overseas trip. The Ministry of Labor (勞動部) could also collaborate with local governments to impose harsher penalties on the airline for alleged illegal overtime violations.
Executive Yuan (行政院) Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) extended condolences Thursday (Oct. 16) for the unfortunate death of flight attendant surnamed Sun (孫). The Department of Labor Standards and Equal Employment (勞動條件及就業平等司) criticized corporate culture forcing sick employees to work, pledging concrete measures to address this issue.
The Labor Standards Act (勞動基準法) allows local authorities to impose increased fines based on company size and violation severity, with maximum penalties reaching NT$1.5 million (around US$49,020). Officials plan to invite local governments to review penalty practices, targeting publicly listed companies like EVA Air that violate working hour regulations. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.6)
