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Strike called by pilots illegal, says Jet

By IANS,

New Delhi : Private carrier Jet Airways Thursday said it has been told by the authorities that its pilots “would attract legal action” if they went on strike from Sep 7.

The strike call has been issued by the newly-formed National Aviators Guild, a union formed by some Jet Airways pilots. The airlines has refused to recognize the guild.

“We have received a communication today (Thursday) from the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) which reiterates that the newly constituted National Aviators Guild is under legal obligation not to proceed on strike when conciliation proceedings are in process under the Industrial Disputes Act,” an airline spokesperson said.

“The letter also emphasises that since Jet Airways is a public utility service, any contravention of the Act would attract legal action,” the spokesperson added.

Over 600 Jet Airways pilots have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from midnight Sep 7 to protest against the sacking of two of their colleagues earlier this month. The airline has around 700 pilots on its rolls.

Girish Kaushik, the president of the pilots’ guild, had earlier this week said it has issued a 14-day mandatory notice to the airline management apprising it about the strike.

The guild has said the sacking of the two pilots was unjustified and an act of vendetta as they were involved in starting a pilots’ union.