Pilot Union "Facing Employment Crisis... Need to Extend Designation of Special Employment Support Industry"

Press Conference Held at Fountain Square in Front of Cheongwadae by Labor Union Federation
Need for Shift in Quarantine Policy for International Passenger Transport

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] The Federation of Pilots' Unions has called for an extension of employment retention subsidies for low-cost carriers (LCCs).

On the 11th, the union federation held a press conference at the fountain plaza in front of the Blue House, stating, "LCCs rely solely on domestic routes and have been struggling with losses for two consecutive years," adding, "The employment retention subsidies, which the government designated as a ‘special employment support industry’ and provided support for, are scheduled to end at the end of this month, which is expected to cause significant difficulties for workers' livelihoods."

The union federation emphasized the need to extend the designation of special employment support industries. They explained that if the employment retention subsidies for the aviation and travel industries end at the end of next month, the burden on business owners will increase, potentially leading to large-scale restructuring.

The union stated, "The government has said it will consider extending the support period for 14 special employment support industries, including travel and tourism," but added, "With the end date approaching next month and no concrete details, anxiety among industry workers is growing day by day."

They continued, "Considering the force majeure situation under the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'unavoidable circumstances' specified in the enforcement decree directly reflect the current reality of the aviation industry," emphasizing, "We urge the government to recognize this situation and expand and extend the employment retention subsidy period to ensure the survival of aviation workers."

Additionally, they argued for a shift in quarantine policies for international passenger transport. The union said, "The travel bubble, which briefly drove passenger demand before the spread of the Omicron variant, has recently been completely suspended," adding, "Low-cost carriers, forced to compete only in domestic operations without cargo transport, urgently need a relaxation of quarantine policies for international transport."

They further explained, "The government should recognize that reviewing changes to self-quarantine guidelines for overseas arrivals, considering factors such as vaccination rates, introduction of treatments, and self-diagnosis, to revitalize international travel is a survival strategy for the aviation industry in the post-COVID era."

Finally, the union emphasized, "All workers in all occupations, including pilots of South Korean private airlines, will strictly comply with government quarantine guidelines and do their best to ensure safe operations," urging once again, "We call on the government for active support to prevent the collapse of the air transport industry before the end of the COVID-19 pandemic."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.