Employees also promised pay hike, food subsidy expansion
Tigerair Taiwan is handing out 10-months' worth of bonuses and will be raising employees' salaries as the airline marks a year of rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.
The Taipei Times reported on Monday remarks from Tigerair Taiwan Chairman Chen Han-ming, who said their board has agreed to extend year-end bonus worth 10.8 months of wages.
"The highest bonus an employee could receive is 14 months' salary," Chen said as quoted by Taipei Times.
The bonus includes four months of salaries and NT$20,000 in standard bonuses, on top of NT$50,000 to NT$80,000 in performance-based bonuses, Focus Taiwan reported.
For some 800 employees, the upcoming bonus will add to the ones they received in August and December last year to hit as high as 14 months of wages.
Chen also announced that the airline is raising employees' salaries by up to 11.48% in 2024, while food subsidies will be raised by 12%.
Union reaction to bonuses
The workers' union at the airline hailed the changes announced by Chen.
"We thank the union's board and members, as well as other workers' unions for their efforts and support," the union said as quoted by Taipei Times.
The union previously called out Tigerair Taiwan for overworking employees, adding that their salary increase for workers is the lowest when compared with other airlines.
"Our voices have been heard, and the company responded to our petitions," the union said.
COVID-19 rebound for Tigerair
The bonus and wage hike also comes in the heels of the company's strong performance in 2023.
Focus Taiwan reported that consolidated sales posted by the airline hit a new high of NT$12.57 billion last year. This is an 848.29% hike from a year earlier, according to the airline, which attributed the increase to strong performance in passenger flights.
The rebound comes after the aviation industry was almost put to a standstill because of COVID-related travel restrictions across the world over the past years. The situation has led to many employees getting laid off, opting for voluntary exits, or receiving wage cuts.
