Trouble brewing in AI again, union threaten strike

Mumbai, May 6: Trouble is brewing again in Air India as the staff union has threatened action if the management does not reinstate 23 cabin crew, who were derostered over the Cairo flight delay.

All India Cabin Crew Association (AICCA) general secretary, Sanjay Lazar told a news agency that the union is mulling launch of a 'non-cooperation' drive starting from Friday, May 7.

"We have written a letter to the management, stating that the derostering of all 23 cabin-crew is illegal. We want an immediate reinstatement of the derostered crew, failing which we will resort to industrial action," Lazar is quoted as saying.

Air India Mumbai-Toronto flight, which was operated from Cairo on Apr 15 as the European air operations were shut due to the Iceland volcanic ash, was delayed by 16 hours.

It is alleged that the cabin crew of the flight went for sight-seeing in Cairo leading to the delay. However, AICC denies the accusation.

Informing that the derostering of the 23 staff was in 'violation' of the 1987 agreement between the management and cabin Crew, which states that the cabin crew shall not be derostered unless there is a criminal case, Lazar said, "We do not rule out the possibility of striking work as well if our demands are not met."

OneIndia News