Civil aviation ministry in talks with striking pilots
04 May 2011
New Delhi: With domestic operations of Air India in a near paralysed state over the last eight days, the ministry of civil aviation today held talks with striking pilots in a bid to end the deadlock.
On the government talks were conducted by a two-member team, headed by joint secretary Prashant Shukul.
Earlier in the day, civil aviation minister Vayalar Ravi reviewed the situation at a meeting with Air India CMD Arvind Jadhav, civil aviation secretary Nasim Zaidi and other officials.
Ravi had softened his stand on Tuesday saying he hoped wisdom would prevail on the pilots and they would resume work.
"We are certain that the situation can be resolved by dialogue. We are only waiting for government to come forward to talk to us as we can come to a consensus. ICPA has written to the prime minister again asking him to intervene in this matter and we are hopeful that he will call us soon," an Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) leader said.
The pilots are demanding that all sackings, suspensions and transfers ordered by the management in the strike period would be revoked, as also recognition of their union.
.webp)
