The Air India Pilots’ strike has entered the 5th day.Thousands of people who have plans to travel are affected and are having a very difficult time.Hundreds of passengers are stranded in the air-ports. Both the Air India Management as also the Union have taken strong position and so far there is no effective discussion.

The Union has brought serious charges against the management is scuttling the development of Air India/Indian airlines. Merger, demerger and remerger drama of Air India/Indian Air Lines have been disasters. Private carriers were favoured by granting better routes, better schedule etc. Large number of planes were purchased at heavy costs when there was no urgency to purchase so much planes. The Unions allege a lot of corruption by the management which has adversely affected the finances of the company.

The management is not responding on these matters. It has started victimising the leaders by suspension etc. They have approached the Court against the strike. They have refused to talk with the Unions. The Delhi High Court has banned the strike.

The Civil Aviation Minister has given a free hand to the management to do whatever they want. In a democracy, the workers have got the right to strike. It is the responsibility of the Government to discuss the issues with the striking workers and come to an understanding to end the travails of the people and travellers.

Vayalar Ravi, Civil Aviation Minister, himself a trade unionist, should take initiative, discuss the matter with the Central Trade Unions and settle the strike.