In a significant development, the Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) has penned a letter to Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, expressing deep-seated concerns over what they describe as a “growing unrest and dissatisfaction” among the airline’s workforce. This move comes in the wake of the recent takeover of Air India by Tata Sons, raising questions about the treatment of employees post-acquisition.
The two-page letter highlights several grievances, including alleged breaches of promises regarding job security, salary, and maintenance, as well as disregard for seniority and merit within the company. The AIXEU specifically points out instances of termination of employees with excellent track records, which they claim contradict assurances given by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding a two-year moratorium on terminations post-acquisition.
Moreover, the letter condemns the treatment of whistleblowers, alleging that management has been silencing dissenting voices and suppressing grievances raised by employees. It also raises concerns about a lack of equality in treatment, citing instances where external candidates have been preferred over qualified internal candidates for internal job postings.
The AIXEU asserts that such mismanagement not only affects employee morale but also reflects poorly on the company’s performance and its commitment to customers. Consequently, they urge Mr Chandrasekaran to personally intervene to address their grievances and restore confidence in the workforce.
This development comes after a mass sick leave taken by Air India cabin crew, resulting in the cancellation of at least 86 flights. The cabin crew’s protest, reportedly sparked by dissatisfaction with new employment terms under the Tata Group-owned airline, has caused inconvenience to passengers and raised concerns about operational disruptions.
In response to the situation, Air India Express management has assured passengers of efforts to minimise disruptions and offered full refunds or rescheduling options to affected travellers. However, the incident underscores the deep-seated concerns among employees and the challenges faced by the airline in navigating the transition following its acquisition by Tata Sons.
The unfolding events at Air India Express serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in corporate acquisitions and the importance of addressing employee concerns to ensure smooth transitions. As the airline continues to navigate these challenges, restoring trust and fostering a positive work environment emerge as critical imperatives for sustainable growth and success in the competitive aviation industry.
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