New Delhi: Air India has reportedly sacked six office bearers and four pilots after a strike that has led to cancellation of five international flights since last night. After 157 Air India pilots reported sick, the management sent medical teams to the pilots' residences. Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), an association with which the agitating pilots are associated with, has also been derecognised since midnight.
Earlier, the management of the national carrier had ordered all rostered pilots to report to work by 6 this evening or face action, according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI). Five international Air India flights were cancelled after 157 pilots called in sick. They say the management of the airline has not met timelines for promotions due to pilots. Another 200 pilots have threatened to join the strike.
Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has reacted strongly to the strike. He said that pilots must talk to either the government or to the airline's management. "They are free to come forward with their grievances but they can't just call in sick. The money that the government gives to Air India depends on performances; there's a time period involved. This strike is illegal. They can come forward for talks but can't put the passengers in distress," Mr Singh said.
Just a month ago, the government cleared a massive Rs. 30,000 crore bail-out package for the national carrier.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted this morning, "Excellent, well done Air India. This is just the way you drag yourself out of the hole you find yourself in, cancel more flights."
Two Air India flights from Delhi to Chicago and Toronto and two from Mumbai to New Jersey and Hong Kong have been cancelled since Monday night. Passengers left stranded at airports were livid.
"I am really frustrated. It's very annoying and irritating. I don't want to come here again," said a passenger, who was to fly to Toronto from Delhi last night.
"I have lost my job due to the strike," said another passenger.
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