Coronavirus fear: Govt raises issue of layoffs, salary cuts with companies

Low-cost airline SpiceJet had announced a 30 per cent pay cut for employees for March and announced "leave without pay' during March 25-31

The Central government is scrambling to address distress calls of workers across the country, with the authorities intervening with employers to address concerns on layoffs or unpaid leave during the nationwide lockdown, which is aimed at minimising the spread of Covid-19.

The office of the chief labour commissioner, under the Union Labour and Employment Ministry, has written to SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh to comply with the “instructions” of the government and not deduct the salaries of workers in the lockdown period.

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the aviation industry is one the most severely affected sectors across the globe