The vote for whether the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) goes on strike against EVA Airlines will be closing on Sunday. The organization is demanding policy changes or they will launch a strike during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.
Transportation and Communications Minister Wang Kwo-tsai (王國財) emphasizes that since this year’s Spring Festival holiday starts on February 8, there is still some time for resolution. Though the vote is currently undecided and both sides are unsure whether the possible strike will be partial or comprehensive, he says that he has called on both parties to keep in mind the rights and interests of the public. Wang says that the most important goal is to prevent the strike from happening.
EVA Air Chairman Steve Lin (林寶水) also expresses his concern, saying that this labor dispute is mainly about wages and employment. EVA Air has proposed a six-month year-end bonus and a salary increase with room for internal negotiations.
Wang says that a response team has been assembled which will continue to help both parties reach a consensus. He adds that he thinks Evergreen's management has shown goodwill and that he hopes for more rational dialogue.