Amidst the turbulence engulfing the aviation sector, the workforce union at AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) has issued a stern warning, threatening to initiate a strike on April 23 unless their demands regarding promotions, salaries, and uniforms are promptly addressed.

AIESL, recognized as India’s foremost aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) entity, expressed its discontent in a missive dated April 8, citing grievances such as “inadequate remuneration and stagnant career growth leading to widespread frustration and demoralization among our workforce.”

Addressed to the CEO and Chief Human Resource Officer of AIESL, the letter highlights the union’s intent to disrupt operations should management fail to acknowledge their concerns.

“The recent imposition of a new service level agreement (SLA) has revealed glaring disparities between permanent and FTE (full-time equivalent) staff, particularly evident in notice periods and benefits,” remarked the union.

“The dearth of avenues for career progression has instilled a sense of stagnation and discontent among employees,” the correspondence elaborated. The sudden extension of notice periods to three months for technicians and six months for certifying staff has elicited “confusion, frustration, and resentment” among the workforce, it added.

“We implore you to engage in constructive dialogue and promptly address our grievances in good faith to avert any impending disruptions to operations,” urged the letter.

With a workforce exceeding 5,000 individuals, AIESL offers a spectrum of services encompassing base and line maintenance, as well as the overhaul of landing gear, avionics accessories, and components, among others. Following the disinvestment of Air India in 2022, the company now operates under AI Assets Holding Ltd.

AIESL, a government-owned enterprise, remains a pivotal player in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) domain. Notably, this development follows similar protests by Vistara pilots regarding remuneration issues.

As Vistara gears up for its integration with Air India, concerns persist regarding the fee structure for pilots transitioning to the new pay system post-alliance, thus fueling ongoing debates.