On Wednesday, Asiana Airlines Inc., South Korea’s second-largest carrier by sales, announced it had come to a tentative wage arrangement with its pilots’ union, covering the period from 2019 to 2022.
This agreement was reached after 100 Asiana pilots initiated a work-to-rule protest on June 7, demanding higher wages. As part of the protest, they only carried out tasks that were explicitly stated in the company’s policies and rules, which had the effect of disrupting flights and causing delays.
The pilots’ union has accepted a 2.5 percent increase in basic pay, an increased flight allowance, a cash incentive of 50 percent of basic pay, and improved welfare benefits. The union had initially requested a 10 percent rise in basic pay for the four-year period, which was much higher than the company’s proposed 2.5 percent.
Other unionized workers, apart from the pilots, had already agreed to the 2.5 percent wage increase for the pandemic-affected period.
It was anticipated that the pilots’ union would go on strike this week, which would have had a significant impact on passengers, businesses that transport goods via aircraft, and the tourism industry.
Airlines typically prepare for an upsurge in travel demand during the summer holiday season from mid-July to late August.
This file photo provided by Asiana Airlines shows an A350 passenger jet. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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