The legal right to strike against EVA Air has been confirmed, according to the Taoyuan Union of Pilot (TUP) vote count on Monday. Of nearly 1,400 union members, 900 were for the strike, with 10 against.
The TUP is seeking to improve labor conditions to solve the loss and shortage of manpower, a 20% salary increase, an increase in outstation allowances, and a ban on illegal recruitment of foreign pilots through outside intermediaries. The union states that it may strike over the Lunar New Year holidays at the earliest, though it will give a notice of at least 24 hours to lessen the impact on any passengers on the affected flights.
37% of all EVA Air pilots voted for the strike, 75% of whom belong to the long-haul fleet that flies to and from major terminals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. If the strike occurs, travelers from major North American and European cities are likely to be affected. In response to the TUP’s possible strike actions during the Spring Festival, EVA Air has established an emergency contingency team that takes inventory of manpower, flight scheduling, and passenger movement to ensure the operation of major routes.
EVA Air issued a press release on Monday stating its regrets that this result still occurred despite the company's efforts to communicate and negotiate with the union. The airline calls on the union to prioritize the rights and interests of passengers as they continue to conduct negotiations.