Air Indians vote to elect new unions

Voting is underway in Air India to elect four unions as a part of drive to reduce the number of trade unions in the airline. At present there are fourteen unions in the airline but the number will reduce to four following the conclusion of exercise.

Voting is being held on Wednesday and Thursday and so far 50-55  percent of 12,000 staff have voted in the elections, sources said. Management staff are not eligible to vote in the process. The total staff strength in the airline including its subsidiaries is over 21,000 and it includes over 16,000 workmen.

The move to rationalise the number of trade unions in the airline was recommended by an expert committee and approved by the airline board in 2014. A section of the employees moved court against the elections but did not secure relief.
 

As per the original plan airline would have two unions including one for pilots and other for other category of employees, two unions for engineering subsidiary and an union for ground handling subsidiary. However the airline's pilots have refused to participate in the election process.

The rationale behind the move is that it would lead to better decision making and efficiency. Multiplicity of unions has led to conflicting demands which impacts resolution of disputes and negotiation of settlements.