Explained: How a sudden staff protest threw Mumbai airport operations into chaos

MUMBAI: Thousands of passengers booked on Air India, Air India Express and some foreign airlines on their Mumbai flights scheduled between 10 am and 1 pm on Monday had a harrowing time after employees of AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL), a ground handling company, staged an impromptu demonstration demanding better employment terms. A total 31 departures were delayed, 5 arrival flights saw delayed parking, and baggage delivery for 6 international and 33 domestic flights was delayed, sources said.

Apart from Air India group, AIASL does ground handling for 37 foreign carriers, according to information posted on its website.

The disruption affected check-in, baggage handling and cargo loading and unloading operations, leading to delays for Air India and Air India Express flights. The govt-owned AIASL also provides ground handling services to other airlines and freighter operators.

Passengers on at least one Delhi-Mumbai flight were made to remain seated inside the aircraft for close to two hours after landing as ground staff were unavailable, sources said. Several departing flights including those to Delhi, Chandigarh, Udaipur, Kolkata and Bhuj were delayed.

“Staff employed with airport security, CISF, local police, airport’s terminal operations, and airside teams coordinated extensively to maintain operational continuity and minimize passenger inconvenience,” said a source.

The protest was organised by workers affiliated to the Akhil Bhartiya Kamgar Karmachari Sangh (ABKKS), which had earlier issued a “final ultimatum” to the management over long-pending demands. In a statement issued after the protest, the union said the management agreed in writing to address the workers’ demands following the agitation near the airport.

In a letter to the AIASL management dated May 18, the union sought permanent employment status for fixed-term contract workers who had completed five years of service, implementation of a wage revision pending since 2017, a “same work same pay” policy, transport and canteen facilities, a promotion policy, refund of salary deductions made during the Covid-19 period, compensation for employees retiring during service tenure, medical and accident insurance coverage and a halt to recruitment of retired staff members.

The union had warned that failing resolution of issues, workers could resort to strike action under provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act.

“Industrial action by employees of third-party ground handling agency at Mumbai airport is impacting the operations of Air India Express and Air India,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“Our airport teams are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to guests and restore normal operations at the earliest. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our guests during this time,” the spokesperson added.

George Abraham, general secretary of the Aviation Industry Employees Guild, said the union supported the protest. “Since the demands made by BKS were 100% justified, our union wholeheartedly supported their morcha against the management of AIASL,” Abraham said.