It is the first time in 11 years since the Korean Air Pilots Union went on strike in December 2005. The Union and management could not narrow the gap in their wage negotiations that the union demanded 29%, down from the initial demand of 37%, but the management only offered 1.9% which is the wage increase rate agreed by the Korean Air Trade Union which organizes flight attendants and ground staff.

The union explained the main rationale behind the high rate of wage increase demand that the experienced pilot-drain from Korean Air to other airlines which offer higher wages threatens the airline safety.

The total number of Korean Air pilots reaches 2,500 and 200 pilots are on leave at the moment. According to the regulations, the rate of essential service maintenance workforce for the airlines is 80%, which means that only 480 pilots are allowed for the industrial action. The union announced that 189 pilots will join in the walkout this time until the end of December.

Korean Air announced that they will maintain the operation rate of 93% to 95%.

reported by Yoon Ja-eun
translated by Kim Sung-jin