Nagpur: Technicians working for Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) depots in Nagpur and five other cities have shunned work, leading to at least seven aircraft being held up at hangars. These planes were scheduled to take off this week after completion of checks, according to sources among the technicians.
Impact on Operations
AIESL operates MRO facilities in Nagpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Trivandrum, where approximately 20 aircraft have been taken in for overhaul jobs. The engineering arm of erstwhile Air India, now under Tata management, AIESL remains a public sector undertaking. A source from the workers' union shared details of the affected flights with their call signs. These flights were due for release after maintenance. Out of these, two aircraft are at the Nagpur MRO, one of which was scheduled for release this week. Among the other planes, two are chartered aircraft, the source added.
Protest and Resignation Dispute
The protest began a week ago after 180 technicians who resigned were allegedly not relieved from their respective MROs. Four of them are from Nagpur MRO. The Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) has sought a response from the AIESL management in Nagpur. The official letter states that the four technicians who resigned have presented their case regarding the terms of agreement with the employer. It notes, "It is evident that four of the technicians who have completed two months since tendering resignation are being denied relief, not only violating the terms of agreement but also the provisions of Code of Wages 2019. The situation could have been handled better."
The strike has caused significant disruptions, with aircraft grounded and maintenance schedules delayed. The technicians demand immediate resolution of their grievances, while AIESL management is yet to issue a formal response. The labour commissioner's intervention may pave the way for dialogue between the parties.
