This Article is From May 26, 2010

Air India moves High Court on flash strike by staff

New Delhi:
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As Air India (AI) strike continued for the second day, the airline has moved Mumbai High Court challenging flash strike. The government has now made it clear that Air India is free to take tough action against the striking employees.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said the AI management is free to take whatever action they consider necessary and that the government will back them. The minister hinted at tough action which includes suspension or even dismissal. (Read: Take 'strong' action against striking employees, says Patel to Air India)

Praful Patel met senior officials to plan the course of action.

Three days after the Mangalore crash, the worst in India in a decade, some Air India unions went on strike yesterday against a management gag order. But despite the inconvenience caused, this time they may not have their way.

Sources have told NDTV that the Air India strike has been discussed at the highest level. In fact, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called up Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and has apparently told him that it's time for some tough action including dismissal of union leaders who have called the strike.

The government is also thinking about allowing senior government officials to travel other airlines till normal services resume.

As the government prepares to crack down on the employees on strike, bad news for passengers who were to travel today by Air India, because the strike by the national carrier's ground staff enters the second day. (Watch: Strike to continue till management agrees, says Union leader)

As many as 76 flights in both the domestic and international sectors have been cancelled. These include 24 flights from Delhi, 37 from Mumbai, six from Kolkata, seven from Chennai and two from Bangalore. (Read: Air India cancels 76 flights)

The Air India management has taken a tough stand against the strike, saying it could sack the employees if they don't return to work today.

Air India chief, Arvind Jadhav, threatened to take stern action against the striking employees on Tuesday evening. "We may terminate staff who started the strike," he told NDTV.

Meanwhile, sources have told NDTV that the Civil Aviation Ministry will fully back the Air India management on tough action against striking employees.

Thousands of passengers have been stranded as a result of the flight cancellations yesterday and today, as this is the peak summer travel season and there are some destinations to which only Air India flies.

The strike will also cause losses to the carrier, as they will have to refund or rebook passengers of its cancelled flights. Many passengers, who were not aware of the strike and flight cancellations, reached the airport in the morning, only to get a rude shock.

Air India has made arrangements with Jet Airways and Kingfisher to carry passengers while the strike continues but if it continues for too long over 100 flights could be affected out of 250 flights. (Read: 76 Flights cancelled on Wednesday | List of Air India flights cancelled on Tuesday)

The striking employees claim the problem began after the Mangalore crash when the Air India management issued a notice to its engineers for speaking to the media. (Read: Story behind Air India's strike, as told by engineers)

Air India's alleged failure is that it didn't use its engineers to certify a flight while ferrying passengers to Mangalore after the tragedy.

"We didn't want to go on a strike but we have all the right to strike. We won't go back till they withdraw the show cause notice given to us," said Dinkar Shetty, President Air Corporation Employees Union.

"What about passengers? I have got an urgent appointment in Kolkata. I have urgent legal material to take there. Now that will not happen and I'll lose huge business," said Mr Rai, a stranded passenger.

"I am here for my wedding. But now I expect it to be delayed, just because of this," said Shikha Patel, a stranded and dejected bride.

The Air India management is apologetic, but the talks with the unions have been unsuccessful so far. The airline insists they won't cave in to blackmail saying that the show-cause notice was issued because the employees violated internal policy. (Read: Air India statement)
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