Aviation min to review AI’s finances

New Delhi: Civil aviation minister Praful Patel will review Air India’s financial position and its operations in a meeting with the airline management and representatives of trade unions on Wednesday. The meeting will take place amidst a stand-off between the government-owned airline’s management and employee unions over a proposed cut in incentives.
The company management’s attempt to cut productivity-linked incentives (PLIs) of executive pilots had led to a break-down of the airline’s operation last month. The pilots’ agitation resulted in cancellations of hundreds of its domestic as well as international flights, and a revenue loss of over Rs 100 crore. The management was not able to implement its proposed cuts due to the agitation.
“We have received a communication from management for a meeting on turnaround/revival plan of the company. The minister would also be present in the meeting scheduled on October 14,” Air Corporations Employees Union (ACEU) general secretary JB Kadian said.
The air India management had earlier announced to cut incentives of its 7,000 staff ranging from 25 to 50% of their total PLI. The national carrier, however, had to put its order on PLI cut in abeyance as over 200 executive pilots reported sick en masse to protest against the decision.
13/10/09 Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: NACIL Oct 2009