AI Express Defers Inquiries Against Crew: Update for Aug 8

Air India Express has postponed investigating around 200 cabin crew members who called in sick in May when the airline experienced significant operational disruptions. This decision was made during a meeting led by the Central Labour Commissioner in the national capital as part of the ongoing conciliation process.

During the meeting, representatives of the Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) raised the issue of charge sheets being issued to approximately 200 cabin crew members in June and requested their withdrawal. At the suggestion of the conciliation officer, the airline management agreed to defer the inquiry related to the charge sheets.

A conciliation process occurs under the Industrial Disputes Act following a complaint filed by AIXEU, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).

Statement by the Secretary 

Girish Chandra Arya, All India Secretary of BMS, stated that it has been decided to put the charge sheets on hold and not pursue the inquiry process while conciliation proceedings are ongoing. He emphasised that the airline's management should refrain from taking coercive action during the conciliation process.

Other issues, such as hotel accommodation and crew scheduling, will be addressed through bilateral discussions between the management and the crew. The next conciliation meeting is scheduled for August 8.

In addition, a delegation of BMS and AIXEU representatives met with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday to discuss various concerns. Arya mentioned that the union proposed a tri-party meeting with representatives from the union, management, and civil aviation ministry to address the Air India Express cabin crew issues.