AI contractual staff withdraw strike

The nearly 300 contractual security and commercial workers of Air India, who were on strike since June 1, have called off their stir after the Chief Labour Commissioner assured them of positive steps by the airline management.

During the conciliation proceedings held today, the striking workers agreed to report back for duties after persuasion by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central).

"On the assurance from the CLC, we have decided to withdraw our strike as he had assured us that he will ask the airline management to take positive action on our demands," said Sanjeev Kalkal, general secretary of Indian Airlines - Airport Services (IAL-ASL) Employees Union.

The CLC also advised the airline to be sympathetic to the issues raised by the agitating staff, an airline spokesperson said.

The CLC has posted the matter for hearing on June 17 as the representatives from Air India said that their senior officials were not in the country, according to the IAL-ASL office-bearer.

The nearly 300 contractual security and commercial staff of Air India at Delhi, Amritsar and other centres were on strike from June 1 demanding better pay package, medical and other benefits.