The Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), representing the cabin crew of Air India Express, has raised serious concerns over alleged unfair labour practices by the airline. The union has sought the intervention of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) to address these issues, which include the issuance of charge sheets to its members.
Letter to Chief Labour Commissioner
The AIXEU, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, has formally written to the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), highlighting the management’s actions that they claim are detrimental to good industrial relations. The union’s letter, dated June 28, alleges that these practices are not only unfair but also in violation of labour legislation.
Ongoing Conciliation Proceedings
This development comes amid ongoing conciliation proceedings between the cabin crew members and the airline management. The union contends that the management’s measures are exacerbating already strained industrial relations. “Their actions are spoiling the industrial relations already affected by their unfair labour practices and violations of labour legislation,” the letter stated.
Specific Allegations and Previous Strikes
Among the specific issues raised, the union has accused the airline of issuing charge sheets to crew members who availed sick leave from May 6 to 8, and initiating inquiries against selected union members. This follows a significant strike on May 7, when around 200 cabin crew members protested against the alleged mismanagement at the airline, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
Strike and Subsequent Developments
In response to the strike, Air India Express management terminated the services of 25 cabin crew members and issued warnings to others. The strike was called off on May 9 after a conciliation meeting convened by the CLC, and the termination letters were later withdrawn.
Union’s Call for Intervention
The union’s latest letter claims that these issues have arisen “due to the monopoly and adamancy behaviour of the management” and calls for the CLC’s intervention to resolve the disputes. As of now, there has been no comment from Air India Express regarding these allegations.
