The All India Cabin Crew Association has termed Tata group-owned Air India’s room-sharing policy for some cabin crew as “illegal, contrary to law and void ab initio on several fronts”. The association called on the Ministry of Labor to intervene and stop the implementation of this policy.

The association advocates that these rights (hotel accommodation and related conditions) align with established policy for pilots, as outlined in previous agreements and court decisions.

In addition, the association contacted Air India Chief Campbell Wilson, urging him to “not violate” the current status quo and uphold the integrity of the employment tribunal and the ongoing industrial dispute surrounding this matter.

What is Air India’s room sharing policy?

Under the new policy which will come into effect on December 1, cabin crew members will have to share their rooms during layovers, with the exception of cabin executives and those operating ultra-long-haul flights, in anticipation of the merger with Vistara planned for November. 11.

Cabin crew on ultra-long-haul flights will be provided with single rooms during layovers, including unscheduled stops due to flight diversions, according to internal communications. Generally, ultra-long-haul flights are defined as those lasting 16 hours or more, with Air India operating such routes to North America.

Cabin executives, who are senior crew members with approximately eight years of flying experience, will also benefit from single rooms during layovers, as outlined in internal communications.

Following the merger, Air India and Vistara will collectively employ around 25,000 people, including around 12,000 cabin crew members.

“Without prejudice, from the outset, we must protest against this and officially express our opposition to this draconian measure, and declare that this is an illegal decision, as well as a change in the conditions of service under of the IESO – (Industrial Employees Standing Orders Act), under which the establishment is bound, except during the pendency of the NIT and industrial dispute,” the association said in a notice to the Chief Labor Commissioner (CLC) of New Delhi.

(With PTI inputs)