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.