air india: Tatas begin rolling back Air India employees’ Covid-time pay cuts
Other airlines like IndiGo and Vistara have also partially rolled back pay cuts following widespread discontentment among employees over the same continuing despite smart recovery in air traffic.
Recently, Air India pilots had also asked the new airline owner to restore the pay cuts.
The airlines have promised to further review pay cuts in coming months depending on business recovery and whether there are any more disruptions to traffic for any reason.
From April 1, Air India pilots’ flying allowance and special cuts will reduce from 35% and 40% of pre-Covid levels to 15% each. Pilots’ overtime rates have also been reviewed.
Cabin crew flying allowance (that forms a major part of their salary) will now be 5% lower than pre-Covid levels, instead of 15% so far.
Wide body allowance for crew operating twin aisle Boeing aircraft will now be 15% lower than pre-2024 level instead of the steep 40% for pilots and 20% for cabin crew.
Among other employees, the allowance cuts for Air India officers has been halved from 50% to 25%; and for staff and operators the 30% allowance cuts have been fully restored.
The gross emoluments cuts for local employees at foreign stations has been halved from 10% (subject to a maximum of $300) to 5%.
“As the hope of a post-pandemic world seems within reach and the aviation sector takes off once again with some visible changes in our performance, we are happy to inform you that your salary cuts have been reviewed and the restoration of salaries will happen in a phased manner… changes will be implemented from April 1, 2022,” AI director personnel Amrita Sharan said in a communication to employees on Friday.
“For pilots and cabin crew, international and domestic layover allowance remain unchanged and rates applicable in March 2022 will continue. For pilots, cabin crew and other employees – all specific allowances attached to a post or role and other contingent allowances remain unchanged and rates applicable in March 2022 will continue to be applicable,” the communication added.
All pilots available for flying will continue to be paid fixed 20 hours of flying allowance or actuals, whichever is higher in a month.
“All deductions will be reviewed again in coming few months and changes will be communicated to you… We will also be soon releasing pilot and cabin crew handbook with details on performance guidelines and other policies…As we embark upon this journey to make Air lndia a world-class airline, each of you is key to fulfilling this vision. With customer centricity, performance orientation, and accountability as our bedrock, let us all look ahead, fly higher and make Air India the best and most loved airline,” Sharan added.
