Jet staff union flags concern, seeks clarity on problems

Amid Jet Airways battling financial problems and coming under the regulatory scanner, an employees’ union of the airline has sought clarity from the management on issues that have led to the current situation.

Flagging concerns, the Jet Airways Staff and Officers’ Association, which claims to have around 10,000 members, has written to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vinay Dube seeking a meeting to have a comprehensive understanding of the factors.

In a letter to the CEO, the association has also complained that the management was wasting financial resources on “inefficient” operations and hiring foreign pilots. The letter, written last week, comes against the backdrop of the crisis-hit airline deferring announcement of June quarter results, exploring cost-reduction, coming under the regulatory lens for alleged corporate governance lapses and talks of a possible pay cut for the employees.

Meanwhile, aviation regulator DGCA is to start audit of the airline on Monday, sources said. The board of the carrier is scheduled to consider the June quarter results where there would also be discussions on cost-reduction and turnaround plan at its meeting on Monday.

The association does not represent Jet Airways' pilots, engineers and cabin crews since these categories of staff have separate unions. “We are concerned for our members who are employed in the staff and officers category across the country in respect of their service conditions, salary and wage enhancement and conditions of service which have been brought to your notice vide our charter of demands to finalise a settlement,” the association said.

A response was awaited from an airline spokesperson on the queries about the letter. Stating that Dube failed to meet the association's representatives after giving an appointment for a meeting on August 10, the grouping said it is awaiting the schedule of the meeting with the management team to put across concerns and grievances.