Air India pilots strike called off

New Delhi, Sept 30 (ANI): Air India executive pilots today called off their strike after the government assured to look into their concerns.

Addressing a press conference here, representative of the striking pilots Captain VK Bhalla said: "We have called off the strike. The strike is being called off in view of assurances by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel that status quo will continue on issues."

"The Prime Minister asked the Civil Aviation Minister to intervene, who has given us an assurance via the media that there would not be any cuts in the salary. The pilots will resume work with immediate effect," he added.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for intervening in the crisis. Yesterday, the Prime Minister Office (PMO) directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India to find an early resolution.

Welcoming suspension of pay cuts, Captain Bhalla said that full support would be given to Air India management.

Reacting to inconvenience caused to passengers, Captain Bhalla, who is spearheading the stir, said: " I apologise to passengers for the inconvenience."

The pilots began their strike on Saturday, weakening the turnaround plan of the ailing carrier.

Earlier this month, hundreds of pilots at India's largest private carrier by passengers, Jet Airways (India) Ltd went on mass sick leave for six days to protest against the firing of two pilots instrumental in forming a pilots' union. (ANI)