The Hindu Business Line : AI, Indian merger: ‘No cut in benefits for retired staff’

Corporate - Mergers & Acquisitions
Industry & Economy - Social Security
Logistics - Human Resources
AI, Indian merger: ‘No cut in benefits for retired staff’

Ashwini Phadnis

New Delhi, Aug 28 Retired Air India and Indian personnel can look forward to retaining the benefits and perks they enjoyed before the merger of the two state owned airlines was completed, the Chairman and Managing Director, Mr V. Thulasidas said on Tuesday.

“There can be no cut back on the benefits for retired personnel. Before the merger process started the Government made it clear that employees would be given the same or better conditions. This has also been made clear in writing,” Mr Thulasidas said.

The consultant, Accenture, who has been given the task of drawing up a road map for merger of the two airlines was not looking at what benefits should be given to retired employees, officials said. The issue was not flagged by Accenture in any of the meeting and presentations made so far, officials added.

Earlier this month at a meeting in the Department of Corporate Affairs issues before the merger was approved, questions were raised about benefits for retired personnel and a request was made that these be sorted out before the merger was approved. “After the merger process is completed, which court would entertain a request for an issue dealing with either the erstwhile Air India or Indian,” pleaded an elderly gentleman.

Officials, however, maintain that National Aviation Company India Ltd, the new company into which AI and IA were amalgamated, would fulfil all the liabilities of the two airlines.

More Stories on : Mergers & Acquisitions | Social Security | Human Resources | Airlines

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page