The national carrier Air India flew into fresh turbulence with many of the members of the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) threatening to resign due to alleged “discriminatory” treatment meted out to them by the management.
In a letter submitted to the Air India management, IPG members have sought a “No Objection Certificate” to relieve them from the services of the company.
The 300-strong IPG has threatened to go on strike in mid-November, protesting against what it calls the Air India management's discriminatory approach by providing special privileges to its rival pilot body, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA).
IPG comprises pilots of the erstwhile Air India from its pre-merger days, and its members usually operate on the international routes. ICPA, on the other hand, is the pilot body of the erstwhile Indian Airlines, and comprises pilots mostly operating in the domestic sector.
However, a decision on the strike will be taken by a ballot vote during this week.
“We have written to the AI management for an NOC so that we may consider seeking employment elsewhere. However, we haven't heard back from the management,” an IPG spokesperson said. IPG did not divulge the exact date of the strike.
The bone of contention is the privilege of flying an advanced aircraft like the Boeing 777 and the soon-to-be-purchased Dreamliners. Pilots belonging to the IPG felt that the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots were being given preference for Boeing 787 Dreamliner training. Twenty-three planes are scheduled to join the airline fleet early next year.
Air India officials refused to comment on this issue and said that a proper procedure will be followed.