Request for Government Payment Guarantees and Loan Expansion
Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport is quiet on the 8th. On this day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) meeting held at the Government Sejong Complex regarding the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "We will temporarily suspend visa exemptions and visa-free entry for countries that have banned the entry of our citizens, and expand restrictions on the entry of foreigners for non-essential purposes." / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] The Korean Air Labor Union appealed on the 8th for "unconditional support at the pan-government level to guarantee workers' employment and livelihood" in relation to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) crisis.
The Korean Air union issued a statement in the afternoon, saying, "With the global air routes blocked due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all airlines including Korean Air are at a crossroads of survival," and made this appeal.
The union stated, "Workers in the aviation industry are facing a life-or-death situation unlike past cases that were overcome through their own efforts," adding, "Airlines and partner companies are trying to temporarily extend the lifeline of their businesses through self-help efforts, but ultimately they are reducing workers' wages, which reproduces a vicious cycle where the most vulnerable workers in our society become the biggest victims."
Furthermore, the union noted, "The aviation industry is already at a stage where leave of absence, temporary shutdowns, and layoffs are underway, so discussions about who is at fault or who should take more responsibility are empty," and pointed out, "Companies say they are selling assets and issuing bonds to secure liquidity, but workers are already suffering endless pain from the anxiety of having lost or potentially losing their jobs."
The union also demanded ▲government payment guarantees and expanded loans ▲temporary exemption of aviation fuel tariffs ▲exemption of air navigation safety facility usage fees ▲exemption of aircraft local taxes ▲exemption of fixed costs such as airport office rent, and requested "support that does not miss the golden time. There should be no regrettable mistakes where companies perish while debating the order of measures."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
