TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A proposal by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to upgrade military staff to business class on flights by Taiwanese airlines is meeting with a cautious response from unions, reports said Thursday.

Lai suggested on Tuesday that military personnel should be allowed to board flights before other passengers. He added that if there were empty seats in business class, they should also be given an automatic upgrade. The proposals were made as a new benefit for military personnel to coincide with Armed Forces Day on Sept. 3.

The unions at Taiwan’s two main carriers, China Airlines and Eva Air, welcomed the ideas, the Liberty Times reported. However, they added that the cost of the benefits should not burden them or their employees.

The unions praised the military not only for defending the country, but also for their active participation in disaster relief. Lai’s proposals benefiting the military were positive and deserved public support, the unions said in a joint statement.

The issue of business class upgrades was more complex because it amounted to more than just occupying empty seats, the unions said. The policy may affect the rights of other passengers, shareholders, and employees, and could go against fair competition, according to the two unions.

They said the government should not order the new measures, but respect market mechanisms and consult with airlines. In a recent speech, Lai also presented other ideas, including discounts at supermarkets and restaurants for officers on Sept. 3, CNA reported.