Bipin Shah   Self Employed
Does Air India force pilots who are unwell to operate flights? If the airline management is to be believed, sick pilots are not forced to work as the government-owned carrier adheres to labour and air safety norms.

But now, a document submitted by the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) substantiates the allegations made by pilots that they are indeed forced to fly even when they are unwell. This document was sent to the civil aviation minister, the directorate general of civil aviation, the labour commissioner and other government top brass on Tuesday. The document mentions the names and details of pilots who were unwell. These pilots did not buckle down to pressure and went on sick leave only to see the airline management retaliate by deducting their salaries.

It substantiates their allegation that pilots are indeed forced to fly, even when they are unwell. It lists the names and details of pilots who were unwell a few months ago. For one pilots, falling ill cost him dear. The airline deducted Rs 6 lakh from his salary for going on a 12-day sick leave between August and September. Not that an Air India commander earns Rs 6 lakh in 12 days. The salary would range from Rs 3.5 to 4.5 lakh. The quantum of deduction is arbritrary. In this case, the pilot's two months allowance was deducted. Another pilot lost Rs 2 lakh for a 16 day leave in September. Then there are those whose salary have been deducted by Rs 50,00 to Rs 5 lakh for taking sick leave.
Oct 30th 2010 06:42