The Tale Of The Conflict Between Air India And The Union Regarding The Revised Compensation Structure.

Air India has sent a strongly worded email containing a command of disciplinary and monetary moves against the pilots in case of delay in licence renewal or Airport Entry Pass (AEP), suggesting the dispute between the company’s management and the pilots may continue for a few more days. “An email was issued to all pilots, notably in the North Zone, last week with the subject noting “submission/completion of all processes for licence renewals,” according to a statement from Air India.

Despite these reminders, some employees fail to follow through, which causes delays with their license-related difficulties and renders them inaccessible to the organisation for executing their obligations. The email stated that, as a result, the organisation was forced to take harsh action against the specific crew member. The email continued by stating that there have been several occasions where the crew has failed to submit the proper paperwork or finish the necessary procedures in relation to licence renewals.

It was said that the pilots may obtain their documentation from the Air India training department, but failing to do so would result in financial loss. The training department is there to help the crew member so that they don’t lose time from duty (non-availability) or get financially penalised. If documentation submission is not started at least 45 days before the licence expiry, the crew member will be given a caution letter, the email continued.

What does the union comprising Air India pilots mention?

The two pilot unions, Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), have since not accepted Air India’s new compensation structure for the pilots and cabin crew on the basis that the airline, in forced violation of labour laws, didn’t consult them before finalising the new contracts. An updated pay structure for pilots and cabin workers was unveiled by the Tata Group-owned airline. However, the changes were unpopular with the employees. Their biggest complaint was that captains with more than four years of managerial experience weren’t getting promoted.

They referred to the contract as “unilateral” and warned that any forced measures or victimisation by the firm against the member pilots to sign these harsh terms and compensation would cause industrial unrest. Pilots consider this a hint of things that will happen when the new terms and conditions take effect, one Air India pilot who requested anonymity said. The pilot said that the management is using intimidation methods because 70% (the majority) of the pilots didn’t sign the updated contract.

The new pay structure aims to replace the 70 hours that were typical among airlines prior to COVID with a fixed remuneration for 40 hours of flight. According to the unions, effectively, there is an automatic pay cut involved any time the pilot is on leave or is unavailable because of recurrent training requirements or document/licence renewals, not to mention any sick leave. The unions have opposed numerous provisions in the new employment contract on the grounds that they violate the law.

The Air India pilots are concerned that the new deal would erase their status as workers, which will eliminate their ability to organise unions or go on strike. The proposed new agreement specifies that all top commanders of the airline will be from the executive cadre. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment regulations, workers have the right to go on strike or organise a union under the Industrial Disputes Act.

Additionally, a clause requiring the pilots to be available for flying or standby duties has been opposed by the unions. Pilots can no longer maintain any sort of a work-life balance since it is now meaningless and dependent on the whims and fancies of the employer’s schedule. Already under a lot of stress, our roster is erratic and subject to hourly or daily changes. According to the letter, the corporation now wants to make it the new standard. The letter also contained a provision declaring all prior agreements between Air India and the pilots null and void.

The words by the company, Air India.

On the other hand, according to AI CEO Campbell Wilson, 90% of the cabin staff and the vast majority of the pilots have accepted the new contract. The new compensation system for pilots and cabin staff is an effort by Air India to promote equality among various groups, improve productivity, and increase the amount of money they are paid. There is presently no recognised union at Air India. Therefore the airline will continue to interact with the rest of its workforce through this procedure, according to the corporation.

Conclusion.

We hope things get easier between the union and Air India management; we, the people, can again take the delightful air ride of pride of India, Air India.

Edited By, Naveenika Chauhan