After Air India, Kingfisher pilots report sick; Delhi flights hit

A section of Kingfisher pilots have decided not to fly from tonight to protest "backtracking" by the management on its "assurance" of remitting their January salaries from May 9, a move which is likely to compound the woes of fliers already hit by the ongoing stir by the Air India pilots.

"The management had said that it would start giving January salaries from May 9 onwards. However, it has backtracked on its commitment," Kingfisher sources said here.

According to sources, Kingfisher Airline Chairman Vijay Mallya had "assured" the staff in his May 5 communication to them of remitting their January salaries from Wednesday onwards.

In an indication of a showdown with the management, a section of the Delhi-based pilots of the cash-strapped airline today reported sick, while their Mumbai counterparts decided not to fly from tonight, the sources said.

The Kingfisher spokesperson was not available for comment.

Air India pilots' strike enters third day

With the strike by protesting Air India pilots entering the third day, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today reaffirmed government's readiness to hold talks with the pilots and hoped that they would follow the High Court order declaring the stir illegal.

"High Court has given a very clear order. Let us hope that pilots follow the High Court judgement. Every thing is negotiable but they must reach out to us first," Singh said.

Holding that interest of the airline and passengers was of paramount interest, the Minister said, "They must make sure that Air India does not lose credibility."

The Delhi High Court had yesterday held the strike illegal and barred the pilots from any protest action.

Despite the court order, the pilots remained defiant and said the agitation would continue till their demands were met.

Around 200 Air India pilots owing allegiance to Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) had reported sick on Tuesday resulting in cancellation of six international flights yesterday and around 20 flights today.

... contd.

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