TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Air Union said Friday the airline has agreed to let staff take up to three days of sick leave each year without affecting their performance evaluations, CNA reported Friday.

The union also said the airline dropped a rule that included extra punishment for taking leave during busy travel days. Only those who take leave during Lunar New Year or New Year’s Eve will still get minor demerits.

The union pushed for more protection, asking that all sick leave and paid time off are not penalized. EVA Air said it cannot do that now for “business reasons,” but promised to follow any future labor law changes.

The union said it plans to team up with other labor groups and urge the government to tighten rules. They will file a petition with the Civil Aeronautics Administration on Nov. 14 to call for stricter oversight of airlines.

On Oct. 10, a 34-year-old flight attendant surnamed Sun (孫) died 16 days after falling ill following a flight in late September. Her death triggered public anger and debate about overwork in Taiwan’s aviation industry.

EVA Air General Manager Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) publicly apologized with top executives to the crew member’s family. He said the airline has launched a full investigation into the incident.