People's Democracy

(Weekly Organ of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)


Vol. XXXIV

No. 22

May 30, 2010

 

On Air India Strike

 

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India issued the following statement on May 27, 2010.

 

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its grave concern at the vindictive attitude of the Air India management to terminate the services of 17 leading union activists and to suspend 15 more leading workers inspite of the withdrawal of strike after discussion with chief labour commissioner (central).

 

The Air India management has arbitrarily withdrawn recognition of Air Corporation Employees Union without assigning any reason.

 

The Air India chairman for the last several months is refusing to have any dialogue with employees and the gag order issued against the employees provoked spontaneous strike action by the employees. The great inconvenience caused to thousands of passengers was due to the policies adopted by the management. The Air India management is solely responsible for the inconvenience of the passengers.  The role of the civil aviation minister Praful Patel is also responsible for the present state of affairs in Air India.

 

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands immediate revocation of the termination and suspension orders against the union activists and demand the restoration of recognition of the Air Corporation Employees Union. The management should immediately start negotiations with the unions to improve the services of Air India and address the legitimate grievances of the employees.