Air India employee unions to oppose privatisation plans

New Delhi: Employee unions at Air India on Wednesday decided to oppose privatisation of the airline as there is still no clarity on various issues, including payment of salary arrears and pension, according to a union's representative.

The development comes at a time when the government is working on the final contours for the proposed disinvestment of loss-making Air India.

At a meeting of representatives of various unions in Mumbai, it was also decided that a letter would be written to all the central trade unions and International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) seeking their support against privatisation.

These unions represent pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground staff, among others. These unions would "draw out a plan of action to oppose the privatisation of Air India and to protect the jobs, service conditions and welfare facilities of retired and serving employees", the representative added.