AI pilot strike: 99 pc flights cancelled; loss Rs 26.5 crore

New Delhi, Apr 30: Air India pilot strike has entered its fourth day on Saturday, Apr 30. Citing the irresistible protest from the pilots' side, the airlines has so far cancelled 99 percent flights and suffered a loss of almost Rs 26.5 crore.

The airlines has sacked more pilots going up to nine and suspending six. Citing the huge loss within the few days, Air India gazes at the possibility of a partial lockout, sources reported.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) directed the airlines to stop taking any fresh booking until Tuesday, May 3 for domestic and regional international flights operated by erstwhile Indian Airlines.

Sources also reported that the agitating pilots may be sent to jail for six months if found guilty. The Delhi High Court had earlier ordered the pilots to put an end to strike. However, the pilots, ignoring the High Court's order, are continuing the strike.

What is the bone of contention?

Following the merging of Indian Airlines and Air India, the ICPA had demanded that the pay for Indian Airlines pilots to be on par with those of Air India. The pilots allege that the management had not adhered to the memorandum of settlement signed in Nov 2009 enforcing the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

With the ICPA standing for the Indian Airlines staff, claims that while the Air India pilots enjoy a big fixed salary component, the same is almost minuscule for the former Indian Airlines pilots.

OneIndia News