New Delhi: The contractual ground staffs of Air India have gone on a sudden strike resulting in flight delays at the Mumbai airport on Thursday morning. Several contractual ground staffs of Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL) last night went on strike demanding re-appointment of one of their colleagues who was earlier sacked by the airline. AITCL workers have gone on strike at International airport T5 and are also demanding bonus, reconsideration of terminations and work harassment as well. The strike is being supported by Bhartiya Kamgar Sena. These contractual employees are demanding the reinstatement of some sacked employees and Diwali bonus. Reports suggest that around 400 staff members are protesting over the non-payment of Diwali bonus.

“Due to a sudden industrial situation at Mumbai airport by AIATSL employees, some flights have got delayed. We are assessing the situation and all efforts are being made to minimise delays or disruption,” an Air India spokesperson said. As per reports, the airline is assessing the situation and trying to minimise delays or any other disruptions. However, as of now, around 12 Air India flights have been delayed due to the crisis.

“Air India staffs have been called from home to help with passenger check-in."Due to a sudden industrial situation at Mumbai by AIATSL employees, some flights have got delayed. We are assessing the situation and all efforts are being made to minimise delays or disruption," the spokesperson said.

Air India's permanent employees have been deputed to normalise the flights. Only early morning flights from Mumbai for delayed by 2 hours, ANI quoted the airlines as saying. The ground staff of Air India large take care of checking-in passengers, loading/ unloading luggage, cargo and maintenance of the aircraft. Some staff members are also responsible for the ground assistance of foreign passengers.