A major industrial action is set to disrupt operations at AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), as around 3,000 Fixed-Term Employment (FTE) staff have notified the company of their decision to go on strike beginning May 5, 2025. The strike, initiated by the All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union (AIAMEU), highlights ongoing grievances regarding job security, pay disparities, and employee benefits.
The FTE employees, who currently work on fixed-term contracts, are demanding permanent employment status, citing the lack of job stability as a significant concern. Their grievances also extend to discrepancies in compensation and benefits, with the workers seeking parity with permanent staff members who receive higher pay and better perks.
The AIAMEU, representing the striking workers, has expressed frustration over what they describe as years of unmet demands for better working conditions. The union argues that FTE staff have been performing the same roles as permanent employees but without the job security or equal pay and benefits. Union leaders have emphasized that despite the workers’ loyalty and dedication, their efforts have been ignored by the management, prompting this drastic step.
AIESL, a leading aircraft maintenance company, has been integral to India’s aviation industry, providing critical maintenance and engineering services for a range of airlines. The strike could significantly impact operations, potentially leading to delays and disruptions in aircraft servicing, which may ripple across the airline industry.
Union representatives have stated that the strike is a last resort, and they are open to dialogue with the management to resolve the issues. However, if their demands for permanent status and better compensation are not addressed, the strike will proceed as planned, affecting thousands of flights and possibly leading to significant financial and operational challenges for the company.
As of now, AIESL has not issued an official response to the strike notification, but the company is likely to take steps to minimize disruptions, which may include seeking temporary replacements or other contingency measures.
The labor dispute comes at a crucial time for India’s aviation industry, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with increasing demand for air travel. If the strike proceeds, it could put additional pressure on the aviation sector, already dealing with staffing shortages and supply chain issues.
