FLIGHT INTO TROUBLE

Unresolved HR issues and petty demands have led to the impasse

May 7, 2012

Pilots of erstwhile Air India go on strike demanding assured career progression. The primary reason, however, is that they do not want the pilots of erstwhile Indian Airlines to undergo training for and fly Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, to be inducted into the fleet soon. The civil aviation ministry has adopted a tough stance, de- recognising the union of striking pilots, the Indian Pilots’ Guild, and refusing to talk to them till pilots resume duty. The cash- strapped airline has already lost Rs 150 crore with their international operations ground to a standstill.

January 14, 2012

A section of erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots went on strike protesting nonpayment of salaries for five months. The strike threatened to get bigger as other pilots extended support. Not backed by the union, the strike ended the same evening as the management assured them they would meet their demands.

April 26, 2011

Pilots of erstwhile Indian Airlines went on strike led by their union, Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association, demanding parity with Air India pilots. They resumed work after 10 days following an agreement with the management promising them a salary hike and training on the Dreamliner. The airline lost Rs 200 crore.

September 26, 2009

The erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots went on strike asking for higher salary and faster career progression. Lasting five days, the strike resulted in cancellation of 300 flights and a loss of Rs 150 crore.