Asiana Airlines union protests Korean Air merger ahead of decision on cargo business's fate

Unionized workers of Asiana Airlines on Tuesday protested the company's merger deal with its larger rival Korean Air, as the company is expected to soon decide whether to sell its cargo division to win antitrust approval from EU regulators for the two carriers' merger. At a press conference held in front of the government complex in central Seoul, the company's labor union argued the merger of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air "is not in the interest of the nation, the convenience of the people nor the development of the aviation industry." The union said the ultimate goal of the deal was "the dismantling of Asiana Airlines." It also raised questions over Korean Air's reported decision to retain Asiana workers following the completion of the takeover. According to industry sources, Korean Air has decided to retain Asiana Airlines workers on the condition that Asiana agrees to sell its cargo business to win antitrust approval from EU regulators. Korean Air, the larger of Korea's two full-service airlines, plans to seek approval for the decision to retain Asiana Airlines' workers at a company board meeting scheduled for next Monday, according to the sources. Asiana Airlines, the smaller of the duo, is also expected to hold its own board meeting on the same day to decide whether to sell its cargo business.<br/>