All is not well with the largest MRO in Indian aviation space since some aircraft technicians have struck a notice for April 23 so as to have their CEO engage in the constructive dialogue as well as grievance addresses.
AIESL Technicians Threaten Strike
For the uninitiated, AIESL is a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the government as well as a subsidiary of AI Asset Holding Company Limited and provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for Air India and other airlines.
As per the letter of technicians to the CEO & CHRO dated April 8, the letter read that ‘We urge you to engage in constructive dialogue and take immediate steps to address our grievances in good faith to avert the impending disruption to operations. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to proceed with the strike action as planned”.
This move comes amidst continued neglect as well as management’s failure on the part of the when it came to addressing the concerns & grievances of the aircraft technicians.
The letter read that “Our decision to strike is a result of multiple unresolved issues that directly Impact our rights, well-being, and professional growth within the company”.
One of the prime force behind such a move has been the fact that over a substantial period of 7 years, the technicians have not been promoted.
Additionally, when it comes to the notice period, the new service letters force the technicians to serve their notice periods from one to three months whereas they state that the notice period for certifying staff is for six months.
Frustration Mounts Over Unilateral Policies & Unfulfilled Promises
An official privy to the development said that “A huge resistance was observed across the country after which All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union (AIAMEU) union requested the management to change this, but the management did not hear them out”.
In addition to this, official said that the assured salary hike that is given to technicians who have over than 2 years of experience has also not been given.
Concerns over unilateral changes to the uniform policies without the prior consultation have also been formed.
The letter added that “During last strike, it was discussed that management will establish a committee and will help to address issues related to basic salary revision, career progression scheme, inclusion of DA in salary within a period of 90 days. But this promise also turned out to be a mendacious one”.
