While considering the case of the reinstating of the 101 sacked Air India pilots out of the 450 striking pilots, the government seems to be firm saying that the restoration will be on a case-to-case basis. The Air India has been asked by the court to seek direction from the centre and respond by July 18, 2012.
The Airline has to respond on whether to set up a committee to look in to the reinstatement of sacked pilots can resolve the issue within four weeks. One of the members of the Indian Pilots Guild said that the court accused Air India of sitting conciliatory proceedings adding that it was a very good day for them.
But the government remains adamant on its earlier stance that the case of the pilots would be looked in to on an individual basis. A senior official from the aviation ministry said, “Air India has been asked to respond on considering reinstatement of sacked pilots. Consideration doesn’t mean taking everyone back”.
The response from the government comes in the wake of its plans to rationalize Air India’s international operations further. This will lead in the reduction of the total number of pilots overseas routes by about 40%. Experts have opined that the airline is using the opportunity to get rid of excess flab.
