The China Post
Date: November 25, 2016
By: Christine Chou
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Following TransAsia Airways’ (復興航空) abrupt dissolution, local media reported that
TransAsia Airways Corporate Union members protest in front of the Ministry of Labor on Thursday, Nov. 24. Protesters urged the ministry to intervene in labor-management talks in order to protect workers’ rights. (CNA)
Transportation Minister Ho Chen Tan (賀陳旦) had tendered his resignation — claims that the Executive Yuan denied.
As of press time, Ho Chen has yet to address the rumors.
Asked by lawmakers Thursday whether the government planned to take over the troubled airline, Ho Chen said the government did not currently have statutory authority to do so, but would consider the possibility.
“For the time being, the most important issue at hand is to protect passengers’ rights,” said Ho Chen, expressing his concern that low morale among TransAsia employees could pose a threat to flight security.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Cheng Pao-ching (鄭寶清) urged the government to raise penalties if cases of “premeditated dissolution” arise in the future, arguing that the Civil Aviation Act (民航法), which levies fines amounting to a maximum of NT$3 million, too easily allows violating firms off the hook.
Ho Chen vowed the government would reevaluate current regulations to consider upping penalties and would examine whether TransAsia had breached the criminal code. [FULL STORY]
