Air India staff protest pay cut, demand arrears ahead of privatisation

Unions ask pilots not to undertake extra duties, AIEU seeks with aviation minister on leave encashment, continuation of medical benefits, among other things

Air India staff unions are protesting what they call an 'unfair' pay cut and have demanded continuation of medical benefits and payment of arrears before privatisation of the company takes place.

While the pilot unions have asked their members not to undertake extra duties, Air India Employees Union (AIEU) has sought a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on issues such as payment of arrears, leave encashment, and continuation of medical benefits. The AIEU also wants continuation of welfare facilities such as free tickets and amenities such as housing, transport, and canteens to continue after privatisation, said General Secretary