TransAsia, China Airlines Face Fines for Overworking Employees as Probes & Scrutiny Continue

Two Taiwanese carriers could be fined over $9,000 each for working employees beyond the 12 hour maximum.

A probe by the Labor Ministry of Taiwan revealed China Airlines and TransAsia Airways may be in violation of employment regulations for forcing staff to work more than 12 hours per shift. The China Post reports the two airlines are facing potential fines upwards of $9,000 for the employment violations.

According to WantChinaTimes.com, the Labor Ministry found both airlines compelled cabin crews to work more than 12 hours on certain flights to Hong Kong and Tianjin. Taiwanese labor law mandates the working hours for an employee cannot exceed 12 hours per day, with a cap on overtime set at 46 hours per month.

The probe comes as carriers prepare for the surge in passenger traffic during the Lunar New Year holiday. In total, nine of Taiwan’s 15 airlines were found in violation of the staff operating procedures.

Both carriers defended their labor practices. China Airlines told WantChinaTimes.com that, due to the nature of the industry, the carrier made agreements with cabin crews for the longer working hours. A representative from TransAsia told the Taiwan news website the airline regrets that its “definition of working hours that have been approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration differ from those of the Labor Ministry.”

The findings are another setback for TransAsia after the fatal crash of an ATR-72 on February 4, which is still under investigation. In addition to the fines, AP reports 10 TransAsia pilots have been suspended after failing oral proficiency tests since the crash earlier this month.

[Photo: TransAsia Airways Facebook]