Fresh round of trouble is brewing at the state-owned carrier Air India with a section of ground staff going on flash strike on Tuesday protesting against a gag order restraining the employees from speaking to the media, issued by the company management. The walk-out of staff from their assigned duty disrupted almost a dozen flights including two international flights.
?Employees concerned are advised to forthwith refrain from going public with their statements that has potential to harm the company?s image and revenue prospects, failing which action as deemed appropriate will be taken,? a circular issued last evening warned employees.
The airline cancelled at least four flights in the face of employee protest. Some flights have been delayed or combined. The airline is making every possible effort to maintain normalcy in operations,? an Air India statement said.
The airline management has appealed its employees to join the work to achieve high performance. Air Corporation Employees Union president Dinakar Shetty has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the gag order saying that it was an infringement on the right to freedom of speech.