About 450 temporary workers of erstwhile Indian Airlines have decided to go on a one-day strike and demonstrate in front of the Air India office at Meenambakkam on Wednesday demanding an increase in wages and also in working days.
However, airport sources said that the strike might not affect the schedule of the aircraft.
“We are not for disturbing the day-to-day operations at the airport or inconveniencing passengers. However, we want to agitate for a day to vent our anger at the Air India management,” said the Air India United Workers Union (AIUWU) joint secretary, G. Suresh Kumar. “Post merger of Indian Airlines with Air India, we are treated differently from the erstwhile Air India casual workers,” alleged Suresh Kumar.
About 450 temporary workers who had joined the airline in their 20s are still in temporary posts as drivers, engineering helpers, office assistants and loaders even after 25 years. “We are paid only Rs 275 per day while even a coolie gets a higher salary today,” said G. Thangaraj, the president of AIUWU.
“While Air India workers are given work throughout the year, we are given work for only 210 days every year, that too only from last year. Earlier, we were given work for only 180 days every year,” said Suresh Kumar.
The workers are facing several health issues, including hearing loss, as they are working in close proximity to the aircraft, but the management is not giving them proper uniform or earplug, he said.
