Indian Aircraft Engineers Threaten Strike Over Pay, Other Disputes

Workers from India’s largest aircraft engineering organization are planning a strike, which could potentially cause disruptions for Air India.

The All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union (AIAME) said it will strike on April 23. The industrial action will affect its members at Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL).

The union and AIESL management are in dispute over a range of issues including pay, promotion, hiring, and uniform policies. The union alleges pay inequities.

In a letter to the company, AIAMEU leaders said they “remain hopeful that a swift and amicable resolution can be reached.”

AISEL was formerly part of Air India but was not included when Air India was purchased by the Tata Group in January 2022. The engineering unit is still held by the government, which is expected to privatize it separately.

The company has major MRO facilities in six cities and line maintenance facilities at 99 domestic airports. Air India is its largest customer.