"Strike is not an answer to solve your grievances .... All the grievances will be heard unconditionally. You come to talks unconditionally ... Please go back to work," Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, appealing to the pilots while replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the civil aviation sector and Air India.
"Air India management will in no way be vindictive towards any employee .... A lot of young people have just joined (as pilots). But the first priority should be that passengers are not inconvenienced," he said.
His response came as members, cutting across party lines, wanted an immediate end to the pilots' agitation and expressed concern over the health of Air India, while questioning the decision of merging the two erstwhile state-run carriers -- Air India and Indian Airlines.
Singh told the House that Air India, which was already "almost bankrupt", had lost Rs 150 crore due to the strike which completed eight days. Its credibility was also affected.
Regretting that pilots had resorted to strike during peak season, he said the government had announced Rs 30,000 crore as bailout package over eight years.
"This is bailout is not without strings. They have to meet strict standards. If they meet these standards, then we will release public money. We can't keep pouring public money. This is the last chance for them to perform," the Minister said, seeking cooperation of all employees in this regard. (More)