Taking a tough stand against striking pilots, the Government on Thursday ruled out any negotiations on their demand of pay parity.
Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Vyalar Ravi said that a fraction of pilots’ association cannot dictate terms to the government.
The Minister asserted that the government has asked Air India to take firm action against the striking pilots as their decision to go on strike is irresponsible.He said that Government will support every action taken by the Air India management to control the situation.
While urging all employees of Air India to cooperate in dealing with the financial crisis, Mr Vyalar Ravi said that the national carrier is getting support from all sections of employees and different committees are looking into the demands of over 41000 employees.
Earlier, the Air India management sacked six pilots belonging to the Commercial Pilots Association.The management also declared their strike as illegal and derecognised ICPA.
Its offices in Mumbai and Delhi have also been sealed.
In an open letter to the striking pilots, Air India CMD, Arvind Jadhav accussed them of being insensitive towards the convenience of the passengers.
More than 800 pilots went on a strike this morning after the talks between the Pilots and Air India management broke down.