The pilot unions of Air India have raised their voices against a shortage of pilots and long work hours. They have also demanded the restoration of pre-Covid overtime allowance. “We cannot assure that our members will undertake flying duties exceeding 70 hours a month. Any coercive steps by the management will lead to industrial action to safeguard flight safety and the well-being of our members,” the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association and the Indian Pilots’ Guild said in a joint letter to the Air India’s management.
A copy of the letter is available with The Telegraph. The unions said the pilots have flown over 90 hours per month on all fleets, which exceed the 70-hours-per-month industry norm.
This raises the question of passenger safety due to pilot exhaustion. The pilots have also alleged that the Air India management has been denying and cancelling leaves and that they are being punished with pay cuts for the months they fall sick, avail of leave or undergo training.
