Tigerair Taiwan Fined for Pregnancy Discrimination; Union Demands Back Pay

The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union stated on the 29th that pregnant flight attendants at Tigerair Taiwan are forced to take unpaid leave, effectively stripping them of their right to work. The Taoyuan City Government has already determined that Tigerair engaged in pregnancy discrimination and imposed fines, demanding that the airline reimburse the affected flight attendants. The union issued a statement today noting that the nature of flight attendant work makes it difficult to work in high-pressure cabins during pregnancy. Most airlines assist pregnant flight attendants by temporarily transferring them to ground duties to maintain gender equality and prevent financial hardship. However, since its inception, Tigerair has not provided such options, instead mandating that pregnant flight attendants take leave, which severely violates the Act of Gender Equality in Employment. The union stated that the Taoyuan City Government's Gender Equality Committee has confirmed Tigerair's violations. They argued that the airline should not prioritize internal regulations over national law and should immediately return the wages lost due to these illegal practices. The union pointed out that they have assisted multiple Tigerair employees in the past, noting that the airline has faced three fines this year for violating the Act of Gender Equality in Employment, totaling 640,000 TWD. Including the pregnancy discrimination case, total fines are nearing 1 million TWD, reflecting a lack of gender awareness and an unfriendly environment for employees with childcare needs. The union is calling for the immediate repayment of wages lost during forced leave and compensation for bonuses affected by unfavorable treatment during parental leave. Tigerair Taiwan responded that it values gender equality and employee rights, striving to provide a friendly and respectful work environment. Regarding gender equality issues, the company stated it handles them with caution and maintains full communication with staff. Tigerair added that, to protect the safety of pregnant staff and their fetuses, it began internal reviews and revisions last year. Under current procedures, pregnant cabin crew can choose between leave or ground-duty transfers. The company noted that if a transfer is chosen, work can begin the following day, refuting claims that it has never provided such options. Tigerair emphasized its commitment to building a friendly workplace and maintaining rational communication channels with all employees.