Air India pilots unions have raised concern against the alleged threat that the airline has given the cockpit staff if they report sick for duty.
What have the unions said?
Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) have written to Air India
Air India has allegedly threatened pilots with “appropriate measures” to be taken in case they report sick for work.
Copies of the letter have been distributed to various recipients, including Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, DGCA Vikram Dev Dutt, and Air India Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson. The communication states, “We wish to convey our apprehension and disapproval regarding recent correspondences suggesting the potential imposition of punitive actions for reporting illness.”
The unions highlighted their awareness of the necessity for a productive and efficient workplace, and said it is pivotal to “acknowledge the significance of pilot’s health
While the IPG comprises pilots responsible for operating wide-body aircraft at Air India, ICPA represents pilots who fly narrow-body Airbus 320 family aircraft for the carrier
Expressing their concerns, the unions said that threatening employees in such a manner violates “ ethical principles” and also goes against the Aircraft Rules Act, 1937.
Their letter said that the DGCA prioritises the well-being of pilots, both physically and mentally. It underscored the importance of pilots feeling at ease when reporting illnesses, assuring them that there should be no fear of reprisal, all in the interest of ensuring flight safety.
(With PTI inputs)
