The Hindu Business Line : Jet Air issues pink slips to 100 employees

Mumbai, May 1 In yet another move of streamlining costs, Mr Naresh Goyal-owned Jet Airways has terminated contracts of 50-odd cabin crew staff who were on probation, and about 50 contracts of employees who have superannuated.

According to a Jet’s spokesperson, as additional measures to streamline costs to improve the financial health of the company in the current global economic environment, the airline has issued notices of termination to “cabin crew on probation identified, in accordance with the terms of their contracts and in compliance with the law.”

On termination of contracts of employees who have superannuated, she said, “The contracts of these employees were due for renewal, which have not been done. The airline has issued notices of termination to identified employees on contract, who have superannuated.”

However, Jet claims to be providing the name and contact details of crew desirous of seeking employment with other carriers who are currently recruiting experienced crew.

“The carriers will be requested to contact the interested crew directly,” said the spokesperson.

Late last year, the Jet Airways Chairman, Mr Naresh Goyal, had to reinstate over 1,800 cabin crew employees following protests and political intervention.

Plans to centralise operations

Last month, it was reported that the airline was planning to centralise operations from bigger bases such as Mumbai and Delhi, and the staff from smaller bases will be asked to relocate.

However, those who don’t will perhaps eventually be made redundant or laid off.

Meanwhile, certain media reports also suggested that in a move likely to affect 400 employees, Jet was shutting down all its major metro city offices carrying out ticket sales and back-end services.

Jet Airways had refused to comment on its restructuring exercise then.

Jet has already slashed perks and salaries in the range of 5-25 per cent of its management staff drawing a gross of Rs 75,000 and above.

The airline calls the cuts temporary in nature.