AI pilots threaten indefinite hunger-strike from today

Upping the ante after their agitation entered the 47th day, Air India pilots on Saturday decided to start indefinite hunger-strike here from tomorrow to highlight their demands relating to career progression and other issues.

The Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG), which has been de- recognised by the airline management for leading the ongoing agitation, said a batch of ten of its members would begin the hunger-strike “to protest against discrimination and exploitation by the Air India Management”.

“We want this strike to end as soon as possible, but we will not come back to work till our 101 sacked colleagues are reinstated,” an IPG leader, requesting anonymity, said.

The first batch of ten pilots would start the protest action, he said, adding that their family members and other striking pilots would also join them in the protest which has been going on since May seven.

The IPG leader said, “A myth has been spread that we are highest-paid employees. We will try to correct that by showing the people our salary slips we are not being paid astronomical amounts as is being spread.”

The strike, which has led Air India to curtail its international long-haul flight schedule, has been declared illegal by the government and the Delhi High Court. The ailing national carrier has been operating 38 out of 45 services for over a month now.