New Delhi:
In a major breakthrough in the Air India Express crisis, which had led to the cancellation of more than 170 flights since Wednesday, the airline's management has sent letters reinstating all 25 crew members who were fired for participating in the 'mass leave protests' were taken. All 300 crew members who reported sick are expected to return to work immediately.
A conciliation proceedings were held at the Labor Commissioner's office on Thursday, attended by representatives of the airline's management and the Air India Express Employees Union. A document was signed during the meeting, which was seen by NDTV. It was signed by representatives of both management and the union, with the logo of the Chief Labor Commissioner (Central).
“According to media reports, the cabin crew of Air India Express Ltd. has reported sick en masse, which has disrupted flight operations on a large scale… After extensive discussions, deliberation, persuasion and on appeal by the Conciliation Officer and Chief Labor Commissioner (Central The representative of the union (cabin crew members) has agreed that all cabin crew members who have reported sick will immediately report with a fitness certificate,” the document said.
“On appeal by the Chief Labor Commissioner (Central), management agreed to immediately reinstate 25 cabin crew dismissed for reporting sick on 7 and 8 May 2024 as a joint action. Management will review the cases of these cabin crew as per service regulations,” the report said.
The Labor Commissioner's office said management representatives have given assurances that all issues raised by cabin crew before them and during the conciliation process will be investigated and resolved.
Later on Thursday, the airline sent letters to the dismissed employees saying they would be reinstated with immediate effect.
“Based on the mediation procedure of 09.05.2024, it has been decided to reinstate you in the services with immediate effect. The above does not affect our rights to assess your case according to the Service Regulations as stated in the minutes of the mediation. ” the letter said.
It also stated that the monthly salary credited to the employees' accounts after the termination letter was sent would be adjusted to the salary due for May.
The breakthrough will come as a relief to passengers, hundreds of whom were stranded, especially on Wednesday when the sudden cancellations began. Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh wrote to employees on Wednesday saying the number of flights operated will be reduced in the coming days, but all cabin crew members are expected to return to work immediately and services are likely to resume over the course of the time will be normalized. three-four days.
'Happy with progress'
An Air India Express spokesperson said: “We are pleased with the progress we have made during the mediation meeting and welcome our cabin crew colleagues back to work. This will help us quickly restore our flight schedule and fulfill our obligations to our guests Our sincere apologies to those affected by these unintended disruptions.”
“As we gradually return our operations to normal, we urge our guests who have booked a flight with us to check their flight status before heading to the airport. If their flight is canceled or delayed for more than 3 hours, they can opt for a full refund or reschedule to a later date without any fees,” the spokesperson added.
The airline had to cancel flights after 300 senior cabin crew members started calling in sick at the last minute from Tuesday evening and subsequently switched off their mobile phones. What caused the crisis were new employment conditions and changes in the compensation package, sources said. Crew members had also claimed there was a lack of equality in the treatment of staff.
It emerged on Thursday that the airline had dismissed 25 crew members who had reported sick. The others said they would not return to work until they were employed again.