AI unions, management to meet today again

The Air India management’s attempt to convince staff unions to call off an intended strike failed on Thursday, as the latter wanted a firm commitment on the payment of salaries, which the airline could not offer. The management would meet again on Friday to end the strike call by the unions. They may also meet civil aviation minister Ajit Singh and the civil aviation secretary. “The management did not give us any firm commitment on the payment of salaries and clearance of dues. The management said they would pay us the dues once they have the money. This is like saying we will not be able to pay the money,” said a union member, who attended the meeting. He said they have asked the management to give them a firm commitment on a timeline during which the dues will be cleared. “Unless that happens, we will not call off the strike,” he said.