Air India pilots threaten another strike

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) has threatened to launch another protest after Nov 30 if the central government fails to honour its commitments made in May, an official said on Wednesday.

“We have already written two letters - in September and October this year - to Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi on these and other pending issues. However, they have not responded to our communication,” an official spokesperson for ICPA said.

The ICPA spokesperson alleged that the ministry was not serious on its assurance given to the pilots before they withdrew their 10-day-long strike May 6.

Now, the ICPA has demanded that the government must implement the Justice CS Dharmadhikari Committee Report by this month-end and also stick to its assurance of expending the interim settlement for the pilots.

ICPA observed that any exodus of pilots would hamper the growth of Air India and create a shortage of commanders in the long run.

“ICPA is committed to cooperating with the Air India management and expects the same in return,” the ICPA said in its letter to the minister.