In a latest development, the Union Labour Ministry has issued a show cause notice to Tata Group-owned Air India Express alleging violation of regulations with respect to certain disputes with the airline’s management and cabin crew members, as per the sources.
How Did This Happen?
It seems that sacral cabin crew members have raised concerns, including about room sharing during layovers.
In the same regards, a complaint was filed before the labor department and the matter is under conciliation as per the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
So far, Air India Express have not released any comment regarding the show cause notice.
Sources said that the airline, which was taken over by the Tata Group in January last year, implemented certain policies that were under the conciliation process.
Basically, this show cause notice has been issued alleging that the carrier changed the service conditions of the workmen during the pendency of the conciliation proceedings under the labor law regarding the disputes.
Why Would This Happen?
It appears that the show cause notice has been issued as to “why action should not be initiated against you/ your management for violation of Section 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947,” said one of the sources.
When it comes to the Section 33, it pertains to conditions of service remaining unchanged during pendency of the conciliation proceedings.
Under the Office of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (C) in the national capital, the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) has issued the show cause notice to Air India Express.
It came to light that the Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) had written to civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on various grievances about the airline’s cabin crew members, last month.
Further, sources said that the scores of cabin crew members have also raised concerns to the airline’s management about decision on room sharing by the cabin crew members during layovers as well as about curtailment of service contracts of some members and assessment last month.
Prior to this, a cabin crew member was given a room at a five star or a four star hotel at outstations.
But now, one room is shared by two cabin crew members.
An Air India Express spokesperson, last month responded to the queries about the cabin crew members’ concerns, saying as part of the ongoing integration between the airline and AIX Connect, the policies and practices across the two entities are being aligned.
Adding, “This includes crew members sharing rooms on layovers. This is consistent with the market practice followed by many other airlines in India and the region.”
Nowaday, profit-making Air India Express is in the process of merging loss-making AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) with itself.
