AI may send some on leave without pay for up to 5 yrs

NEW DELHI: Cash-strapped Air India has decided to send “redundant” employees among its 13,000-strong permanent workforce on compulsory leave without pay for six months or two years, extendable up to five years. Departmental heads and regional directors have been instructed to make their recommendations by August 15, based on an assessment of each individual in terms of suitability for assigned role, competence, performance and health.
Employees voluntarily seeking to go on leave without pay will require approval on a case-by-case basis.The Air India CMD will take a call on lists compiled by departmental heads and regional directors. “No employee availing of the scheme will be permitted to take up jobs in government or other public sector undertakings,” the order says.
Employees can avail medical and passage benefits in accordance with company rules during their period of leave without pay under the scheme.
Air India's monthly wage bill currently stands at Rs 230 crore. The airline has been delaying payment of flying allowance to crew due to a persistent financial crunch that has worsened because of Covid-induced travel restrictions.