Air India Express has terminated the employment of 30 cabin crew members following a significant number of employees calling in sick and being unreachable, causing extensive disruptions to flights. The termination count is expected to rise as management has issued a deadline for the remaining staff to return to work by 4 pm today, or face disciplinary action.
Today alone, 85 flights have been canceled due to the escalating crisis faced by the low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Air India under the Tata group’s ownership.
Employees are protesting against revised employment terms, citing issues of inequality in treatment and discrepancies in job roles and compensation packages. These concerns arise amid the airline’s ongoing merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India).
The crisis faced by Air India Express poses fresh challenges for the Tata group, coming just a month after Vistara, its full-service carrier, experienced disruptions due to pilot protests over various issues, including flight schedules and pay adjustments.
In response to the situation, Air India Express has assured that it is making every effort to minimize inconvenience to passengers. The airline plans to operate 283 flights today, with additional support from Air India on 20 routes. However, 85 flights have been canceled, and passengers are advised to check for disruptions before heading to the airport. Those affected by cancellations or delays exceeding 3 hours can opt for a refund or reschedule without fees through Tia on WhatsApp (+91 6360012345) or airindiaexpress.com.
“While we remain committed to addressing concerns raised by our cabin crew, appropriate measures will be taken against individuals whose actions have severely inconvenienced our passengers,” the statement continued.
The termination letters issued to the affected crew members highlight the premeditated nature of the mass sick leave, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and significant disruptions to the airline’s operations. The actions are described as not only against the public interest but also damaging to the company’s reputation and finances.
Your decision to report sick for work is perceived as a coordinated effort, indicating a mutual understanding to refrain from operating flights and disrupting the Company’s services. This action not only contravenes applicable laws but also breaches the Air India Express Limited Employees’ Service Rules applicable to you.
The Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), purporting to represent crew members, has communicated with the management, highlighting a significant deviation from previous commitments. The union alleges mismanagement and unequal treatment of staff. However, sources from Air India Express have stated that they do not recognize any employees’ union.
In response, the regional labor commissioner has intervened, acknowledging the validity of the staff’s grievances. In an email dated May 3 addressed to Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and others, the Regional Labor Commissioner in New Delhi, Ashok Perumalla, highlighted “blatant violations of labor laws.”
Mr. Perumalla emphasized the authenticity of the Union’s concerns, noting, “The management of Air India Express has not sent any responsible decision-makers to any of the conciliation proceedings. Mismanagement and blatant violations of labor laws were apparent.”
Without mincing words, the official stated, “The HR department attempted to deceive the conciliation officer with inaccurate information and an absurd interpretation of legal provisions.”
In an effort to uphold “harmonious industrial relations,” Mr. Perumulla recommended that Air India Express establish a high-level committee to address employee grievances and assess the HR department’s operations. He also urged the implementation of corrective actions.
