IndiGo, Go First say they are talking to employees on salary issues

Low fare carriers IndiGo and Go First said they are in talks with their employees who have kept away from work, because of alleged unresolved salary issues.

Technicians at both airlines have been staying away from work, many calling in sick, over the last several days.

Earlier this month, more than half of IndiGo’s flights were delayed as pilots called in sick, en masse leading to massive delays in operations for the airline.


“IndiGo is in constant dialogue with its employees to take care of any issues or grievances,” said a statement from the airline.

“The aviation industry has undergone a difficult phase over the last 24+ months. As business recovers, we are in the process of addressing some of the issues related to employee remuneration. This is an ongoing activity and we will continue to take employee feedback in the process,” said an IndiGo person in the statement adding that the airline’s “operations continue to be normal”.

Airlines in India, like their global peers, cut salaries across their workforces during the Covid19 pandemic that battered airline businesses and travel across the world. Many of the employees are yet to get their salaries restored. Some technicians in IndiGo have accused that while they have been given promotions, they haven’t got commensurate hikes. Technicians at Delhi and Hyderabad stayed away from work. Earlier this week, Go First employees too went on leave.

“There are a few technicians who were absent for 2-3 days. We are in constant discussions with our employees and explaining the present situation and addressing all concerns, if any,” said a Go First spokesperson, clarifying there was protest or agitation by employees.

“Additionally, it is also clarified that unlike as perceived or as in some other cases, we have reinstated employees from “Leave without Pay” to normal working conditions and restored salaries to pre-covid level since August/ September 2021,” said the spokesperson in the statement.

“During the course of discussions we understood that our employees were misguided and after counseling they are happy to note/take cognizance the efforts of the company amidst the turbulent volatile scenario and few people who had absented themselves from duties have assured us to resume from today or tomorrow,” he added.