Delay in salaries: Air India pilots’ union to protest

MUMBAI: The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), one of the unions representing the Air India pilots, stated that the delay in payment of salaries is causing financial distress to those employees who have loans to repay.

In a letter written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline chairman and managing director, ICPA stated they will not disrupt flight operations, but will protest against the delay in salaries every month.

The letter stated, “Air India employees are being hounded by financial institutions, which is severely affecting their every day life. Employees’ morale is the most important element in the smooth running of any organisation. So the interest of the employees should be the management’s topmost priority.”

The pilots alleged that poor management and malfunctioning of the airline are to be blamed for their woes and asked the airline to discuss the situation with them. A senior pilot said, “We are working as per our roster despite salary delays. We will strongly protest against this harassment.”

The other unions said the airline must immediately resolve the issue as it affects pilots’ performance and could affect passengers’ safety.

The airline issued a notice stating the delay in salaries is due to circumstances which are beyond management’s control and that efforts are being made to pay salaries by next week.

THIS IS THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WHEN SALARIES HAVE NOT BEEN PAID EVEN AFTER THE DUE DATE