Mass Absenteeism Leads to Termination at Air India Express
Air India Express, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has swiftly terminated the services of 30 cabin crew members who engaged in an unauthorized mass sick leave, resulting in widespread flight disruptions and inconvenience for thousands of passengers.
Immediate Dismissals
The affected crew members received termination notices on Wednesday night, effective immediately. The airline's decision stemmed from the abrupt and unexplained sick leave, which had gravely compromised flight operations.
Mass Resignation's Impact
The mass absence played a significant role in the cancellation of over 100 flights since Tuesday night, impacting an estimated 15,000 travelers. Thursday's schedule alone witnessed the cancellation of 74 flights, further exacerbating the crisis.
Pre-Planned Action
Air India Express expressed its belief that the crew members' simultaneous sick leave was not a coincidence but rather a pre-meditated and coordinated effort to disrupt operations. This view was further supported by the fact that the crew members were scheduled for a flight on Tuesday but reported sick at the last moment.
Violation of Regulations
The airline emphasized that the crew members' actions violated applicable laws and company regulations, constituting a serious breach of conduct. The mass sick leave not only disrupted flight schedules but also caused significant inconvenience and financial losses for Air India Express and its customers.
Consequences of Termination
As a result of their termination, the cabin crew members will no longer be employed by the airline and will cease to receive any employee-related benefits, including access to official communications and medical coverage.
Airline Response
Air India Express responded to the crisis by curtailing flight services until May 13, citing the non-availability of crew and the need to recover schedules. The airline also acknowledged the ongoing discontent among cabin crew members, particularly in the wake of the merger process with AIX Connect.
Government Intervention
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation intervened in the situation, seeking a detailed report from Air India Express regarding the flight disruptions and cancellations. The ministry urged the airline to take swift action to address the crisis and minimize further inconvenience to passengers.
Passenger Outrage
The flight cancellations sparked chaos at several airports, with passengers expressing outrage over the lack of prior notification. While Air India Express offered alternative flights and released a revised flight schedule, passengers faced uncertainty and frustration as they rebooked their travel plans.
Union Labour Ministry Scrutiny
The recent developments at Air India Express follow an earlier show cause notice issued by the Union Labour Ministry in December 2023 for alleged violations of regulations related to disputes between the airline's management and cabin crew members. The notice had highlighted concerns raised by crew members, including issues with room sharing during layovers.
