Monday, 18 June 2012

Malabar most hit by Air India strike


Demand for government intervention
The North Malabar Zone of the World Malayali Council (WMC) has sought the immediate intervention of the State government and the Centre, including the MPs from Kerala, to solve the ongoing strike of Air India pilots.
The strike is seriously affecting the people, especially those from the Malabar region, many of whom work in the Gulf countries, the council said on Monday.
A get-together of the representatives of various Pravasi organisations under the aegis of the council here expressed deep anguish and shock at the fact that there was practically “no attempts” on part of the State government or from the Central authorities to sort out the issue, which gave untold miseries to a large section of passengers from the State.
Serious issue
Speaking on the occasion, WMC president for the North Malabar Region C.E. Chakkunni said no responsible government could turn its back on such a serious issue that was affecting its people for more than a month and a half now.
“If the Central authorities are not keen on sorting out the issue, it is high time that the State government and the MPs from the State used all their influence and constitutional powers to end this crisis, as the ongoing strike was making the lives of its people really miserable,” he said.
He said the continuing strike of the pilots was not only contributing hugely to the loss incurred by the national airline but also resulting in indefinite delay and cancellation of the flights without any notice.
Uncertain
This left the passengers uncertain about their journey, and caused time and money loss, he said. Stating that Air India’s stance on the issue was highly disappointing and deplorable, Mr. Chakkunni said the recent statement of Sunil Krishnan, south-zone executive director of the airline, was a “true lie” and an “open challenge” to the passengers who had no choice but to depend on the flight for their trips.
Mr. Sunil Krishnan, according to him, had said no flights of the airline in the domestic or Gulf sector was affected by the strike so far. “But the reality is that on an average, around four or five flights are being cancelled from the different airports in the State every day due to the strike,” he said.
‘Open challenge’
Mr. Chakkunni, who termed this “irresponsible” attitude of the authorities as an “open challenge” to the passengers, also said the extension of the stoppage of booking in different sectors from June 30 to July 30 indicated the strike was here to stay for some time.
The strike at this peak season (with Haj and Umrah season round the corner) also resulted in the other airlines exorbitantly raising their airfare.
“If the government has any commitment to its people, who elected them, it’s the time to show it,” said Mr. Chakkunni.
Chairman of the Calicut International Airport Development Society K. Moidu, Chairman of the Federation of the North Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry M. Muzammil, and Secretary of the Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry T.P. Vasu, were among others spoke on the occasion.

·  Strike contributing to the loss incurred by the airline
·  It also prompts other airlines to hike fares

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