The agitating Air India pilots have been told that their industrial action could put in quandary the pay arrears that was promised to be paid in June.

“Air India promised to give pay wage arrears in June, but it was pointed out to the pilots that due to their actions this might not happen. I also reiterated the Government stand that no talks can be held with the pilots as long as they continue with the agitation. It has been 15-16 days, in fact, a bit longer since the agitation started. We are not going to be vindictive. But they have to come back to work,” Mr Singh told newspersons.

The agitation is resulting in a daily revenue loss of Rs 12-15 crore for the airline.

Sections of Air India pilots have been suddenly reporting sick since earlier this month severely disrupting scheduled long haul international operations.

The Minister said he agreed to meet the pilots as some of them had sought the appointment in their individual capacity. The management has derecognised the Indian Pilots Guild, the apex body of the Air India pilots that is leading the agitation.

The pilots were also told that the management has been asked to be prepared to hire more people in case the agitation does not get over soon. That the agitation was not only leading to a huge financial loss but also hardship to passengers booked to fly with the airline was also emphasised to the pilots.

The Minister has already indicated that the Government is willing to take back the pilots whose services have been terminated provided they reported back to work. The management has terminated the duties of 101 pilots till now for participating in the industrial action.

The meeting with the Minister came a day after the IPG wrote to Mr Singh seeking an audience.

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