Senior cabin crew members of Tata-owned Air India Express (AIX) have raised concerns regarding alleged instances of mental harassment and unfair contract practices within the airline, prompting them to seek intervention from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
Breach of Code of Conduct
The cabin crew members allege that the management of Air India Express has breached the code of conduct by imposing restrictions on their participation in trade union activities. This decision, they claim, aims to undermine unity and impede union work, raising questions about the airline’s management approach.
Unjust Contract Reductions
According to the employees union, the recent decision by the HR team to not renew the contracts of four cabin crew members without justification has sparked concerns. Additionally, contracts of other crew members were reportedly shortened from five years to one, and no transparent communication regarding these decisions was provided, leading to dissatisfaction among the staff.
Allegations of Harassment
The union further alleges instances of harassment and discrimination during assessment programs conducted by the company. Cabin crew members claim they were subjected to comments about their appearance, language, and performance abilities, creating mental stress that could impact passenger safety.
Ethical Concerns and Discrimination
The letter to the Civil Aviation Minister highlights unethical practices within the organization, including discrepancies in contract renewals and alleged manipulation of height measurements. Moreover, the union points out instances of discrimination, such as the termination of a cabin crew member’s contract following a spinal injury, without suitable accommodations being made.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
The union expresses dissatisfaction with the handling of grievances by Air India Express’s management, particularly the Chief Operating Officer, Capt. Pushpinder Singh. They accuse Singh of favoritism and misuse of authority, resulting in unfair treatment of cabin crew members.
Call for Intervention
Despite attempts to address these issues internally, the union claims they have been met with resistance from the CEO, Mr. Aloke Singh. They urge the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene and rectify the alleged injustices, emphasizing the importance of upholding principles of fairness, equality, and ethical conduct within the organization.
In conclusion, the allegations of mental harassment and unfair treatment raised by senior cabin crew members at Air India Express underscore the need for accountability and transparency in airline management. The call for government intervention reflects the urgency of addressing these concerns to ensure a safe and equitable work environment for airline employees.
