Salaries still pending, AI pilots want aviation minister to step in | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Salaries still pending, AI pilots want aviation minister to step in

Hindustan Times | By, Mumbai
Oct 09, 2012 01:06 AM IST

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), the union representing the cockpit crew of the domestic and short-haul international flights of Air India (AI), has approached civil aviation minister Ajit Singh over the delay in clearance of their pending salaries.

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), the union representing the cockpit crew of the domestic and short-haul international flights of Air India (AI), has approached civil aviation minister Ajit Singh over the delay in clearance of their pending salaries.

HT Image
HT Image

The airline has allegedly not paid the pilots since May. “When the bills pile up and the credit card balance grows, things can feel downright unbearable. Financial stress could negatively impact things outside of one’s wallet, one’s health, one’s performance in the job and relationships at home,” read the letter addressed to the minister.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The pilots’ body claimed that financial worries could affect the efficiency of the employees. “A stressed pilot is a potential disaster in waiting,” said an ICPA member requesting anonymity.

The union members said that they decided to approach Singh after watching a TV interview wherein he claimed that disgruntled employees could affect the safety of the plane, even if it was on ground.

Last year, an AI engineer in Mumbai had killed himself allegedly owing to his failure to fund his daughter’s education, when the loss-making carrier was inconsistent in paying salaries.

“It is high time the government intervenes. We cannot afford to lose more lives,” said an ICPA member.

Earlier this year, the government had sanctioned a cash infusion of Rs30,000 crore (to be paid in eight years) in the debt-ridden airline to settle pending dues such as salaries.

An AI spokesperson was not available for a comment.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Soubhik Mitra is an assistant editor with the Hindustan Times. The Mumbai boy has spent over a decade reporting on civic, environmental and political issues. His current stint is the longest where he writes on aviation and travel.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On