Asiana pilots' union tentatively OKs wage deal

Asiana Airlines, Korea's second-biggest carrier by sales, said Wednesday it has reached a tentative wage deal with its pilots' union for the 2019-2022 period. The tentative agreement came after two international and 10 domestic flights were canceled as around 100 Asiana pilots began a work-to-rule protest on June 7 for higher wages. Pilots only did what is stipulated by company policies and rules during the work-to-rule campaign. The campaign includes such tactics as the "overuse" of jet fuel and "excessive" maintenance work, and disrupts flights, causing delays. Asiana pilots have accepted a 2.5% increase in basic pay, an increased flight allowance, 50% of basic pay in cash incentive, and improved welfare benefits, the company said in a statement. The pilots originally demanded a 10% increase in basic pay for the four-year period as there was no wage increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was far higher than the company's proposed 2.5% rise for the period. Other unionized workers, except for pilots, have already accepted the 2.5% wage increase for the pandemic-hit period. The pilots' union was planning to begin a strike this week, raising concerns over the planned walkout's impact on passengers planning to travel, businesses that transport their products via aircraft and the tourism industry.<br/>