In the email written on behalf of pilots across all four Tata Group airlines — Vistara, Air India, Air India Express, and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), they have made scathing allegations regarding their working conditions.
This comes on the back of the recent pilot unrest at Vistara, where several pilots reported sick in protest of the new contract and other issues.
“It is crucial to recognise that the concerns expressed by the Vistara pilots are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of systemic issues that extend across various Tata Group aviation entities,” the pilots wrote.
While the trigger for mass sick leaves was believed to be the new contract given to Vistara pilots that reduces their monthly pay by around ₹1 lakh, they have also complained about “leave approvals, inadequate rest periods, unstable roster, stretching pilots to max flight duty, botched roster practices, and an unsupportive work environment”.
Pilots also claimed that they are “exploited, overworked, and deprived of their basic rights across Tata Group Airlines”.
“Pilots are being subjected to conditions and treatment reminiscent of bonded labourers. There have been instances where HR has resorted to threatening pilots with potential disruptions to their future, accompanied by severe consequences,” the pilots said in their email.
Stating that Tata Group airlines lack a culture of fairness, transparency and employee welfare, the pilots urged the Tata Group leadership to engage in constructive dialogue with the pilot community and take proactive measures to address their grievances.
Read the full letter here.
