AI ground-handlers threaten to go on flash strike on Dec 31

New Delhi: Protesting the implementation of new ground-handling policy, the Civil Aviation Joint Action Front (CAJAF) today threatened to go on flash strike on December 31 and on mass casual leave from January 9 if the government fails to revoke the policy.
Members of CAJAF, an umbrella organisation of Air India employee unions comprising employees from the Air Corporation Employees Union (ACEU) and Aviation Industry Employees Guild (AIEG), today held demonstration at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here.
"We will go on a flash strike on December 31 if we do not receive any reply from the government, and proceed on mass casual leave from January 9," said Vijay Deka, CAJAF general secretary.
He said that under new ground-handling policy four foreign joint venture firms MENZIES-CAMBATA, CELEBI-NAS, Air India-SATS and BIRD-Worldwide have been awarded the job for Delhi and Mumbai airports. Presently, ground-handling is done by the respective airlines.
"This may pose 'security threat' as these are lesser known firms and they will engage several foreign nationals, including those from Bangladesh. In such a case, it will be almost impossible to verify the antecedents of those employed," he said.
It is unfortunate that the government has decided to form a joint venture with an European ground-handling company, Menzies, whose license has been withdrawn by the UK's Department of Transport for security lapses, he alleged.
24/12/08 Zee News

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Categories: Airports Dec 2008, NACIL Dec 2008