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Air India flights from Mumbai Airport delayed by flash strike

Thousands of passengers were stranded at Mumbai Airport on Thursday after more than 20 domestic and international flights were delayed by a flash strike called by Air India limited's ground staff.

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Thousands of passengers were stranded at Mumbai Airport on Thursday after more than 20 domestic and international flights were delayed by a flash strike called by Air India limited's ground staff.

The staff, employed by Air India Transport Services Limited (AIATSL). Were protesting non-payment of Diwali bonuses and demanding reinstatement of four sacked employees.

AIATSL provides ground handling services to Air India across several airports in the country.

The strike is supported by Shiv Sena's Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (BKS). "A majority of the 1,600 to 1,700 ground staff workers at Mumbai Airport went on strike from 10 pm on Wednesday," says Santosh Kadam, BKS secretary. "They are also protesting inequality of pay between those who are freshly hired, and older workers; the new crop is being paid more."

Kadam said the workers are also disgruntled that the pick up-and-drop services for female employees has been discontinued.

"We are not going to end our strike unless and until the authorities assures us that they will consider our demands," Kadam added.

"If needed, we will take this strike nation wide," he said.

There was an average delay of over two hours, and international flights were the worst hit considering a majority of them take off at night.

Many passengers complained that they were not given a reason for the delay. Nidish Kulkarni, tweeted, "It is shameful for the government to run Air India anymore," tweeted Nidish Kulkarni, "Strike in airline services, that too sudden(ly) is a serious threat. (sic)"

"Passengers of AI 191 Mumbai-Newark were stuck inside aircraft at Mumbai Airport for over one hour since the ground handling agency crew went away on Diwali holiday," tweeted another passenger Ashish Sawant.

Staffers from Delhi and Kolkata were flown in to help with passenger check-ins, say airport officials.

"Due to a sudden industrial situation at Mumbai by AIATSL employees, some flights have been delayed. We are assessing the situation and all efforts are being made to minimise delays or disruption," an Air India spokesperson said. Captain AK Sharma AIATSL's CEO was not available for comment.

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