AIESL Engineers to Strike Over Delayed Salary Revisions on May 24

In a recent development that could potentially disrupt operations, a group of permanent engineers at the state-owned Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) has announced plans to initiate a strike from May 24, 2024. This decision is in response to the delayed implementation of revised salary payments, a concern that has been lingering for an extended period. The forum, representing approximately 1,700 staff members, primarily offers engineering services to Air India and several other airlines.

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The proposed strike is a culmination of growing dissatisfaction among the engineers, including aircraft maintenance engineers, service engineers, and allied cadre unions of permanent employees from the erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines. These employees were transferred to AIESL, which currently boasts a workforce exceeding 5,000 individuals. The announcement follows a warning issued less than three weeks prior, indicating potential industrial unrest should their salary grievances remain unaddressed.

Notably, in January of this year, key unions such as the Aviation Industry Employees Guild, All India Service Engineers Association, Air Corporation Employees Union, and Indian Aircraft Technicians Associations reached a wage revision agreement with AIESL. This agreement was seen as a significant step towards resolving longstanding issues related to litigation, pay discrimination, and service conditions. However, the forum has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in implementing this agreement, despite AIESL's recent moves to address arrears for contractual employees.

The forum has criticized this delay as discriminatory and an example of unfair labor practices against permanent employees who have been awaiting wage revisions for an extended period. This sentiment was conveyed in a notice directed at the chief of AIESL. The situation echoes a similar dispute last month involving the company's Fixed Term Employment (FTE) staff. That dispute was eventually resolved after negotiations led to an agreement on salary revisions and promotions.

AIESL is known for its comprehensive engineering services, including base and line maintenance and the overhaul of landing gear and avionics accessories. Following the disinvestment of Air India in 2022, it now operates under AI Assets Holding Ltd. The impending strike by its permanent engineers underscores critical challenges within the organization concerning employee compensation and labor relations.