After Vistara, trouble now seems to be escalating for flagship carrier Air India, as its technicians are planning a huge strike later this month. It has been reported that the workers are willing to take the agitated road due to excessive work in a lesser pay scale.
According to details shared by NDTV, the All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union has written to the general manager saying that the technicians of AI Engineering Services Ltd. – a state-owned maintenance, repair, overhaul firm and a former Air India unit, will go on strike on April 23.
Steps will be taken to highlight the many problems, which have an impact on the professional growth and well-being of the workers.
Here’s why the workers are angry
It was also reported by the publication that workers are angry because of fewer opportunities for career advancement. Most of the technicians have not been promoted from their positions in the last seven years. The company also promised to review the pay scale for those who have been with the airline for the past two years. Again, the promise was not fulfilled.
Contract workers
Amidst this, contract workers, who constitute 75% of the company’s overall workforce also feel discriminated against. Staff feel they are treated differently compared to permanent workers. They are forced to serve longer notice periods and receive fewer benefits compared to permanent workers.
Impact on air travel
Meanwhile, an Air India representative said they are monitoring the situation closely. If things do not take a positive turn, it will have an impact on business and air travel as these technicians play an important role in the operation of an airline.
first published: 10 April 2024, 12:38 IST
