The Amausi airport staff joined the nation-wide indefinite strike called by the Airport Authority Employees’ Union Joint Forum against privatisation of modernisation work on Wednesday. However, the strike did not affect flight operations at Amausi as the ATCs (Air Traffic Controllers) abstained from the stir.
On Wednesday morning, agitating employees raised slogans against the Union Government. Barring a handful of senior officers, 95 per cent of the airport employees, including officers, joined the demonstration. To avoid any untoward incident, the Union Government had sought additional technical help from the Indian Air Force. Some employees claimed that they had skirmishes with CISF personnel as they were not allowed entry into the main office.
A delegation led by Aqueel Ahmed met director (airport), Ravi Prakash to apprise him about their opposition to the privatisation move.
Aqueel alleged that flights were being operated in violation of international standards. “This has put to risk the lives of passengers,” he added. The strike affected work at the parcel booking office.
Meanwhile, Prakash said over a dozen flights were operated from Amausi.
Earlier in the day, union leaders and the director indulged in heated exchange.
Meanwhile, Prakash said over a dozen flights were operated from Amausi.
Earlier in the day, union leaders and the director indulged in heated exchange.
However, timely intervention by seniors resolved the issue.
The striking employees were joined by various other trade unions. Divisional secretary of the LIC Workers’ Union D K Bajpayee, president of Kisan Sabha Nikhil Kumar and CITU leader Prem Kumar were present to extend moral support to the strikers. Northern Railway Men’s Union has also extended support to the strike of airport employees, assistant divisional secretary Shyamlal said.