AI pilots call off agitation

New Delhi, Sep 30 (PTI) Buckling under Indian
government threat of action, Air India pilots Wednesday called
off their five-day old agitation saying they had received
assurances of no immediate cut in their incentives and
allowances.

"The agitation is being called off in view of the
assurances by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel that status
quo will continue on issues," Capt V K Bhalla, representative
of the protesting executive pilots said.

With about 200 pilots reporting sick as a mark of
protest over Air India's decision to cut their productivity-
linked incentive (PLI) and allowances, over 240 flights were
cancelled and the national carrier is estimated to have
incurred a loss of over Rs 100 crore.

"I apologise to the passengers for the inconvenience
caused to them due to the agitation," Bhalla said asking the
pilots to join work immediately.

Bhalla also thanked India's Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and Patel for intervening in the matter.

Government had issued an ultimatum to the pilots to
resume duty from midnight Tuesday night or face action.

Bhalla said all agitating pilots would be returning to
their duties with immediate effect. He also said the pilots
would be participating in the meetings of the turnaround
committee of the airline to discuss various issues.

He said the pilots have received a communication from
the Government which has assured that their grievances would
be looked into.

Government had said a committee will review the
decision of a 50 per cent cut in their PLI and payment of
flying allowance of three months.

Bhalla said the minister has given assurance that
there will be no salary cuts. "The minister represents the
government and I have full faith in him and trust him
absolutely," he said.

"We will now work in full cooperation with the
management and all the pilots will start flying," he said.

Bhalla said there was need to cut wasteful expenditure
like sponsoring of golf tournament which was recently held in
northern city Srinagar.

The airline should also look at the issue of reducing
fuel costs to increase profitability, he said.

Patel had Tuesday appealed to the striking pilots to
return to work failing which, he said, the Air India
management was "free to take any action" against them.

The Prime Minister had Tuesday reviewed the situation
arising out of the agitation with Civil Aviation Secretary
Madhavan Nambiar and Jadhav. PTI SMJ
ANU