The Air India Pilots Union flagging concerns over unpaid dues has urged the government to allow them to quit without serving the notice period. They have also warned the government that they are in no position to work amid the uncertainty of the airline’s future.
The Government of India is currently working out the modalities for the national air carrier’s sale. Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) represents about 800 Air India pilots who fly narrow-body planes.
The association has written a strongly-worded letter to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri regarding their dues. A copy of the letter has also been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and other Union Ministers.
“…your statement that if Air India is not privatized by 31st March 2020 then Air India will be shut down, is a matter of concern,” the letter said. The letter has also asked the minister to ensure that they “are not treated like bonded labor and allow us to quit Air India without serving the notice period and clear all our dues immediately”.
“We do not want to face the same fate as other employees of 21 private carriers that have shut down and further add to the rising unemployment in India,” the letter, dated December 23, said.
The ICPA has also asked for clearing their legitimate dues without any further delay. As per the letter, the pilots are yet to receive the flying allowance for October.
“We have been living with uncertainty for the past 2 -3years, and as a result, many employees have defaulted on their loan and other payments. This has greatly affected our livelihood and our families,” it added.
As per the letter, 65 pilots have tendered their resignations and are serving the six-month notice period which is due for completion “very soon”.
“Most of these pilots are experienced ‘CAT 3 B’ qualified co-pilots and are potential commanders. We are losing these experienced co-pilots to other air carriers who value them and have understood the importance of their experience and are willing to recruit them by paying the bond money amounting to tens of lakhs of rupees.” said the letter.
Air India currently has a debt burden of more than ₹58,000 crores.
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