Pilots’ strike from Nov 24 as Air India cuts PLI

Even as crucial talks between the labour commissioner and Air India pilots over non-payment of dues remained inconclusive, the management has decided to stop performance-linked incentives (PLI) to 30 executives. Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) general secretary RS Otal said, “The deadlock continues and there is no option but to go on strike on November 24.”

ICPA has the support of 800 pilots from the erstwhile Indian Airlines. “We are demanding payment of our dues, which the management promised to pay on time but has not. If the management doesn’t meet out demands, we will go on strike,” Otal said.
The management communicated its decision to stop payment of PLI to 30 executive directors and director rank officials last week. “It is shocking that the management is targeting senior officials who have served the airline for more than 20 years,” a senior airline official said.

The PLI cut means Rs20,000 less in salary. Earlier, the airline had planned to cut the PLI component of pilots and cabin crew but deferred the decision when pilots went on strike.

The cash-strapped airline is desperately trying to cut the salary bill, mainly the PLI component which amounts to Rs1,480 crore a year. By cutting 50% PLI, it hopes to save Rs500 crore from its annual wage bill of Rs3,300 crore.