AI Express crisis over: Sacked to be reinstated & all 'sick' cabin crew to return to work

NEW DELHI: The Air India Express crisis has finally blown over with the airline going to reinstate all the 25 sacked cabin crew members and those reporting sick will return to work immediately. The peace was brokered by the chief labour commissioner (central) after a marathon meeting between representatives of employees and management.

The commissioner had asked both the parties to attend a conciliation meeting at 2 pm on Thursday. “…both parties are present and held conciliation proceedings. After detailed discussions deliberation, persuasion and on appeal of conciliation officer and chief labour commissioner (central) the representative of union (members of cabin crew) agreed that all the cabin crew members who have reported sick will report for duty with fitness certificate immediately,” the CLC said in a note signed by both the parties.

“On appeal of the chief labour commissioner (central), the management agreed to reinstate 25 cabin crew who have been terminated on May 7 and 8 for reporting sick as a concerted action immediately. The management will review the cases of these cabin crew as per service regulations. The representatives of the management assured that all the issues of cabin crew raised before the management and during conciliation proceedings will be looked into and resolved,” it added. The conciliation proceeding has been adjourned for May 28.

Now it remains to be seen when AI Express reinstates its flight schedules. Earlier in the day, the airline had said it will be “operating 283 flights Thursday… Air India will support us by operating on 20 of our routes. However, 85 of our flights stand cancelled and we urge our guests booked to fly with us to check if their flight is affected by the disruption before heading to the airport. If their flight is cancelled, or delayed beyond 3 hours, they may opt for a full refund or reschedule to a later date without any fees,” it had said.

Vistara also operated a domestic flight using its widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner for AI Express’ stranded passengers on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)