0801 Typhoon stroke by and Flight-cancel Controversy

Last weekend, Taiwan encountered the double-strike from typhoon Nesat and the typhoon-to-be 海棠(hai-t’ang). Luckily it seemed except Tainan suffering flooding, there was not much loss all over the island.

And of course, most of the planes were cancelled, including EVA Air, one of the biggest airlines in Taiwan. The next day, some media posted news talking about the flight cancellation provoked some passangers, and the official of EVA Air claimed “the 500 crew absent due to typhoon” should be responsible for the flight cancellation. Then controversy raised up.

Some people insisted that “the right to be absent” should be protected and has never been the excuse for the official since, in fact, the labour union of EVA Air had reported to the official that there would be a number of crew absent 5 hours far before the flight cancellation, and apparently the official had decided to accuse the crew members for responsibility. While some people claimed that “you got paid to do your job “ and the crew should have never been irresponsible against loss of the customers.

Well, what do you think?

This morning(Tue.), a legislator suggested the executive governor to raised up the difficulty of forming labour union, because she believed that the confrontation between the official and the union had caused inconvenience to the society against the public fortunes.

Another story you should know is that, last year, when the strong typhoon Megi stroke Taiwan, almost all of the flight were canceled except, yes, EVA Air. Fortunately there was no any accident and losses. Many people were outraged for the official of EVA Air’s reckless decision to insist flights in the severe storm. This time the crew refused to compromise again, although it looks like the official also found their way to deal with the public view.