Praful Patel reviews strike called by Indian Airlines Workers’ Union

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel, today reviewed the flash strike called by Unions of Indian Airlines Ltd., from 9 p.m. yesterday. The Minister has called the strike illegal and unwarranted as negotiations and talks between the Management, the Union representatives and the Chief Labour Commissioner were at an advanced stage.

Despite the fact that arrears are not payable in loss making Public Sector Undertakings the Ministry as well as the Management of Indian Airlines had agreed to pay a package of Rs. 267 crore as wage arrears and an agreement on this issue with the Union and with the employees had been finalized. Also career progression to bring the employees broadly at par to what they had demanded had been agreed on. However just before the final agreement could be reached the employees have gone on a strike without giving any notice to the Management.

The Government and the Management of Indian Airlines have taken a very serious view of the situation. All steps including legal action are being considered. The Minister has warned that if the strike is not called off by this evening strict steps would be taken by the Ministry and the Management. The financial package that has been offered to the employees too might be withdrawn, the Minister said.

The Minister has however, assured the traveling public that their convenience would be given the highest priority. All steps were being taken to bring back normalcy as soon as possible. The Minister pointed out that this being the holiday season a great number of people would be traveling and it was the obligation of the employees of Indian Airlines to ensure that they were not unnecessarily inconvenienced.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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