Air India Express management and a faction of its cabin crew members, the interventionist role of the Labour Department in India has taken a new turn. Recent reports unveil that the regional labour commissioner, wielding the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 as a legal framework, is orchestrating a conciliation process.
This move is designed to mitigate the escalating tensions and grievances aired by the Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU). A notable stride in this conciliation trajectory is the active engagement of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As per reliable sources, the Labour Department has extended an invitation to the aviation regulatory body to contribute insights and perspectives into the ongoing discord. This strategic manoeuvre underscores a concerted effort to ensure that all regulatory and operational facets are meticulously addressed in the quest for resolution. At the crux of the dispute lie multifaceted concerns articulated by the cabin crew members, ranging from alleged mismanagement to contractual discrepancies. Room sharing protocols during layovers, curtailment of service contracts, and assessment procedures have emerged as pivotal points of contention. Such grievances, compounded by the impending merger of Air India Express with AIX Connect, demand a nuanced approach towards harmonising policies and practices across the two entities.
The proactive stance of the Labour Department, under the aegis of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (C), denotes a commitment to fostering an equitable and amicable resolution. It symbolises a judicious blend of regulatory oversight and stakeholder engagement, poised to navigate the intricate terrain of industrial relations within the aviation sector. In response to the burgeoning dissent, Air India Express has endeavoured to assuage concerns, affirming its dedication to minimising disruptions and streamlining integration efforts. However, the complexity of the issues at hand necessitates a holistic and collaborative approach, one that accords due diligence to the voices and aspirations of all stakeholders involved. As the conciliation process unfolds, all eyes remain fixated on the pivotal role played by the Labour Department and the DGCA in steering Air India Express towards calmer skies amidst the tempest of discontent. “This includes crew members sharing rooms on layovers. This is consistent with the market practice followed by many other airlines in India and the region,” the airline had said.
