Last month, the Union Cabinet approved six airports across the country for modernisation through a Public-private partnership model
Fearing relocation because of centre's recent decision of privatisation of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport, Airports Authority of India (AAI) union employees here have announced a lunch hour demonstration.
Last month, the Union Cabinet approved six airports across the country for modernisation through a Public-private partnership model.
This new model is against the previous model, which involved partial privatisation.
Speaking to DNA, the employees — who did not wish to be quoted — expressed their fear of either losing jobs or relocation.
"In the new model, the airport will be privatised which means we will either be given an option to privatized or will be given an option to relocate. Both options are not in favour of us. While some of us are nearing retirement, we would not want to relocate at this age whereas some live with their families or have moved with their families. Relocation involves even childrens future." The employees union have expressed their concern and written to the airport director, informing about the lunch hour peaceful demonstration against privatisation.
In their letter, the employees have mentioned the growth of Ahmedabad airport and its recent ranking as the most improved airport in the Asia Pacific region. "We have improved drastically. The revenue of the airport has gone up. We have reduced the user development fee which has impacted low fares of airlines. As per international ranking, we stand at 26 globally for improved quality assurance. Then why do we want privatisation?
A source said, "There has been a notion among employees that the centre is doing so to favour private players." When DNA contacted airport director Manoj Gangal, he refused to divulge any further details.
In 2013, AAI employees had staged a similar protest against privatisation of Chennai airport. An official added, "During any privatisation, such protests are common."
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