AI union calls off stir, 15 employees sacked

The flash strike by a section of Air India employees came to an end today following an understanding reached between the AI management and the striking staff.
 
Vivek Rao, regional secretary of the Air Corporation Employees Union (ACEU), said the union was calling off the strike as the "management had come to an understanding of our demands."

As Air India (AI) strike entered its second day, the airline moved the Mumbai High Court against the flash strike. The government also made it clear that Air India was free to take stringent action against striking employees.

Civil aviation minister Praful Patel said the national carrier's management was free to take whatever action it considered fit and it could count on support from the government. The minister has hinted at tough action which would include suspension or even dismissal.

The Prime Ministers Office too gave Air India management a clear mandate to take action against striking employees.

The National Aviation Company of India Limited, which moved the Delhi high court against the two-day strike by Air India employees, is reported to have obtained a verdict against the planned 31 May strike as well.

Backed by a favourable ruling from the Delhi high court and support from the civil aviation ministry, Air India is reported to have sacked 15 striking employees.