Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata-owned Air India, has taken drastic measures by terminating approximately 30 cabin crew members in the wake of significant operational disruptions. The airline faced chaos when nearly 300 employees called in sick and disconnected their phones, leading to widespread flight cancellations. This disruptive episode has thrust the low-cost carrier into a full-blown crisis, with 76 flights grounded as a result.
Employee Dissatisfaction Fuels Unrest
Sources close to the matter suggest that the root cause of the upheaval lies in dissatisfaction among employees with new employment terms. Allegations of unequal treatment, discrepancies in job roles, and modifications to compensation packages have surfaced, exacerbating tensions. These grievances have emerged amidst the backdrop of ongoing merger proceedings with AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India, adding further complexity to the situation.
Management Engages Amidst Criticism
The turmoil within Air India Express presents a fresh challenge for the Tata Group, coming on the heels of disruptions faced by Vistara, its full-service carrier. Just weeks prior, Vistara encountered pilot protests over revised pay structures. The conglomerate now finds itself grappling with labor unrest across its aviation ventures, underscoring the magnitude of the challenges facing the industry. In response to the crisis, Air India Express management has sought to engage with the affected cabin crew members to address underlying grievances and minimize passenger inconvenience. However, termination notices sent to 25 cabin crew members cite the coordinated nature of the sick leave as a violation of laws and company regulations, resulting in significant disruptions and reputational damage.
Labor Commissioner Weighs InUnion Alleges Mismanagement
The Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) has emerged as a vocal critic, accusing the airline of mismanagement and unequal treatment of staff. Despite these claims, the airline has reiterated its stance of not recognizing any employee unions, further intensifying tensions. Meanwhile, the regional labor commissioner has weighed in, affirming the legitimacy of the staff's concerns and highlighting apparent breaches of labor laws. Accusations have been leveled against the HR department for providing misleading information and misinterpreting legal provisions in conciliation proceedings.
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