Several IndiGo, Go First Maintenance Staff Continue 'Sick Leave Protest', DGCA Keeps Watch On Situation

IndiGo has started taking disciplinary action against the technicians who went on mass sick leave in the last six days protesting against low pay.

(Representative Image/ PTI)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday expressed hope that protests by aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) of low-budget air carriers IndiGo and Go First who continue to remain on sick leave against their low salaries will end shortly. The aviation regulator also said that it is closely monitoring the situation, adding it hopes the situation will improve soon.

Despite mass sick leave by maintenance technicians, operations of these airlines have remained normal during the period. 

"We are closely monitoring the situation. As of now operations are normal. Hopefully, it will be resolved shortly," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement, news agency PTI reported.

In its recent statement, the DGCA also said that it is in communication with concerned officials of both the airlines regarding the issue and sought an early resolution. 

Sources close to the news agency also stated that IndiGo has started taking disciplinary action against the technicians who went on mass sick leave in the last six days protesting against low pay.

Over 55 per cent of IndiGo's domestic flights were delayed on July 2 after a sizeable number of its cabin crew members went on leave. Sources even claimed that these staff went for Air India recruitment drive. 

 A large chunk of Go First aircraft maintenance technicians also joined in the protests and went on sick leave during the past four days to protest against their low salaries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, salaries of these staff were slashed as the aviation industry took the maximum hit during the lockdown period.