Air India pilots’ union to accept revised service terms
1 min read . Updated: 12 May 2023, 03:01 AM IST
PremiumThe development comes after last week meeting between pilots and the airline’s chief of operations R.S. Sandhu
Two pilot unions of Tata-owned Air India on Thursday decided to accept the revised service norms and new compensation structure.
The development comes after last week meeting between pilots and the airline’s chief of operations R.S. Sandhu. He had assured pilots that all demands will be looked into.
“Upon the assurances given in the online ‘Townhall Meeting for all pilots’ and in the interest of the aspirations of Air India, The Tata Group and our passengers, the joint directive stands withdrawn," the two unions said in a joint statement on Thursday.
Earlier, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) had opposed the airline’s revised compensation structure introduced on 17 April.
ICPA represents pilots operating the narrow-body Airbus fleet and IPG has pilots who fly wide-body Boeing aircraft.
As dedicated Air Indians, “we believe it is crucial to express our readiness to settle the dispute at hand and find an amicable resolution for the benefit of both parties," the statement said.
“Over the past year, our attempts to reach a resolution have been hindered by a lack of cooperation from the management. Their unwillingness to address our concerns and apathetic attitude has resulted in a prolonged stalemate and escalating tensions," the statement added.
The unions also said they have decided to withdraw the directive upon assurance given during the online town hall meeting of all pilots.
On 17 April, the carrier came out with a revised compensation package and new service terms and conditions for pilots and cabin crew of Air India, Air India Express and AIX Connect.