New Delhi, April 27: About 800 pilots belonging to the erstwhile Indian Airlines went on a strike early today demanding pay parity with Air India pilots and better working conditions, leading to cancellation of over 20 flights and disruption of many others by several hours.
In a swift and tough response, the Air India management declared the strike illegal, derecognised the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) and sealed its offices in Delhi and Mumbai.
To tide over the crisis, AI has decided to rope in 150 management pilots — executive pilots — to operate the flights, an airline official said.
The ICPA gave the letter intimating about the strike to AI last night after conciliation talks with the management before the Chief Labour Commissioner failed.
The 800-odd striking pilots belong to the erstwhile Indian Airlines and owe allegiance to the ICPA.
-Agencies