Pilots' union reaches deal with Taiwan's Eva Air, averting strike (updated)

EVA Airways

29/01/2024 01:09

(Adds stock price movement, further comments from Eva Air in
paragraphs 5, 6)
       TAIPEI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - A pilots' union late on
Sunday reached a deal with Taiwan's Eva Airways  2618.TW  to
avert a strike that had been threatened over the crucial Lunar
New Year holiday in a dispute over salaries and working
conditions.
    Taoyuan Union of Pilots said last week its members had voted
to authorise a strike after accusing Eva of not raising salaries
enough and employing too many foreign pilots. The union, which
represents mostly long-haul pilots, had raised the prospect of
striking over the week-long Lunar New Year holiday starting next
month.
    After talks facilitated by the government, the union said it
had reached a four point agreement with the airline, with Eva
agreeing to raise salaries and only hire foreign pilots if there
is a "special need".
    Eva, in a statement to the Taiwan stock exchange, said it
had reached a "consensus" with the union and confirmed it had
signed the agreement.
    Eva shares rose more than 5% on Monday morning, compared
with a flat broader market  .TWII .
    Employee salaries and benefits will continue to be improved
in the future, the airline added in a separate statement.
    Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan witnessed the signing of the
agreement, Taiwan's transport ministry said. 
    Eva, best known internationally for the Hello Kitty livery
on some of its jets, operates flights to many destinations
around Asia as well as to North America, Europe and Australia.
It is Taiwan's second-largest carrier after China Airlines
 2610.TW .

 (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jamie Freed)
 ((ben.blanchard@thomsonreuters.com;))