PM to solve Thai Airways conflict

PM to solve Thai Airways conflict

BANGKOK (AP): Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on
Thursday he will personally resolve a conflict between pilots and
union leaders at Thai Airways International within one month.

He told reporters after a meeting with representatives of the
union, pilots and management that all parties have already agreed
to compromise and end the problems.

The conflict in the national carrier was triggered by a letter
written by the union in July, objecting to the pilots' request
for a salary hike, and urging them to increase their efficiency
instead.

Offended pilots have demanded an apology from the union for
the perceived insult. The dispute led to a four-hour delay of a
flight to Singapore on Saturday when the pilot refused to fly the
plane because a union leader was on board as the cabin manager.

The problems come as Thai Airways is planning to offer new
shares late this year as a part of the government's privatization
plan.