New Delhi: Air India Express reportedly sacked at least 30 employees Thursday, a day after about 300 members of its cabin crew called in sick at the last minute, leading to major flight disruptions. The management has also given an ultimatum to remaining staff to rejoin work by end of today or face action.
The Tata Group-owned airline said that 85 more scheduled flights have been cancelled Thursday and that it is taking “appropriate steps” against certain individuals as their actions caused “grave inconvenience” to several customers. About 70 flights were cancelled Wednesday following the mass leave by the cabin crew, allegedly in protest against the mismanagement of the airline.
“Air India Express is making every possible effort to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected situation. We will be operating 283 flights today,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.
According to the statement, parent carrier Air India will support the airline by operating on 20 of its routes, but 85 flights still stand cancelled.
“While we will continue to engage with our cabin crew colleagues with a commitment to address any concern, we are taking appropriate steps against certain individuals as their actions have caused grave inconvenience to thousands of our guests,” the spokesperson added.
The airline has requested travellers to check if their flight is affected by the disruption before heading to the airport. If the flight is cancelled, or delayed beyond three hours, travellers have the option to seek a full refund or reschedule to a later date without any fees.
A group of cabin crew members at the Air India Express have alleged mismanagement and unequal treatment of staff. In April, Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), which represents a section of the cabin crew, wrote to Tata Group and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. “There is a glaring lack of equality in the treatment of employees. Salaries, experience and merits are being disregarded, with internal job postings now being filled by candidates external to Air India Express, bypassing qualified internal candidates,” AIXEU said.
Following the disruption in operations and the subsequent job terminations, the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) has called for a meeting with AIXEU and representatives of the airline for conciliation proceedings on Thursday afternoon. Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh is also expected to meet the cabin crew later in the day.
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
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