Each of the several hundred former and current employees of Kingfisher Airlines have started sending mails to their Chairman Vijay Mallya reminding him that in his letters to them he had sought their support and requested them to stay back when the airline was going through a major turbulence.
“May we bring to your recollection some of your assurances since the year 2012 that kept us going — and reporting to duty everyday without fail — in the face of skepticism and scorn from friends and family who derided us for our faith in you,” the employees stated in their mail.
They pointed out that his mails to the employees when the airline was struggling to survive “led us to believe that somewhere inside of you was a man who was genuinely trying to do what was right by this family. Where has that man disappeared, Dr Mallya? Has he lost his way in the convoluted maze of business and politics that hound today’s entrepreneur?”
The mail also lists out several letters which was sent by Mallya to his employees where he has assured them that he will continue to support them. “There are over 7,000 direct and above 3,000 indirect employees who count on this airline for their livelihood. I am doing whatever it takes to ensure a long term and viable future for all of you. (Mail dated: January 31, 2012)
“Despite all my other commitments to UB companies, I am personally passionate about and committed to your Airline. Please stand by me and strengthen my hands. Let's fly with confidence. Let's not become fodder for media and competition to feed off. I look forward to your continued commitment for which I am truly grateful.” (April 2, 2012).
“Your courage, confidence, belief and commitment has taken us this far. Please continue to strengthen my hands by standing by me and very soon we will get back to our original position. I have had some very productive meetings recently which give me great confidence about the future of our Company.” (May 5, 2012).
“I appreciate your continued commitment, passion and dedication to duty during this difficult period and am personally counting on your support. I sincerely hope that all of you will listen carefully to my appeal and work together to restore Kingfisher to its rightful place in the aviation industry. (July 14, 2012)
“If we all put our shoulder to the wheel, we have the strength to become healthy again. I am deeply grateful for your support and dedication amidst great hardship. I trust that, one day, I will be able to reward you for this herculean effort. (Aug 9, 2012).
The employees said while they did their best and toiled for the glory of this (kingfisher) family, he continued to live a grand life while “your Kingfisher Airlines family lived on a prayer and a hope, even while they were starving and wondering how they were to manage the next day’s expenses.”
“Were we wrong to have believed your rhetoric when the good times turned into the tough times? Dr Mallya Sir, your extended Kingfisher Airlines family appeals to you to do what is morally, humanly and ethically right and please give us what is rightfully ours.”