Air corporation strike hits the city badly

Kolkata, Jun 13 (UNI) The strike by the ground handling staff of Air Corporation Employees Union had its impact in Kolkata with only five of the 21 national domestic carrier, Indian, being operated today, according to airline sources.

While two flights were operated to Delhi and one to Agartala, another to Chennai via Bhubaneswar had been rescheduled at 1830 hours from 1430 hours.

Two evening flights to Delhi, which were combined would be leaving at 2130 hours today.

About six flights have arrived from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Agartala and Bhubaneswar.

The Union's chairman (eastern region) Ashim Sinha told UNI here that that they will not withdraw the strike as it was a 'legitimate' one.

''For 10 years they has been no revision of wages, pension and career progress. From about 19,000 passengers, that the airlines carried each day about five years ago, the figure has now reached to 34,000,'' Mr Sinha said while expressing his regret over the inconvenience caused to the passengers.

An Indian spokesperson said there was usual rush of the psssengers but many cancelled their journeys because of the uncertain timing of the flights.

Adding to the strike was the early morning thunder showers, that caused in the delay of the flights.

UNI