The Air India pilots strike has entered its 11th day on Friday. There has been no breakthrough so far. Now that the strike crossed ten days, Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) may introspect and end the strike keeping in view the service agreement that Air India pilots entered with Air India management.

The service agreement stresses on the point that a pilot should go through a medical board and get a clearance to fly in case he/she doesn’t report to the duties for 14 consecutive days. Interestingly, the 14-day deadline for striking Air India pilots will end on Sunday. Therefore, the pilots are reportedly in tense situation. With Supreme Court order, a few pilots reported to the duties, but more than 200 pilots are still taking part in the strike.

What happens if a pilot goes through medical board:
It’s pain in the neck to go through a complete medical board. The process will be like similar like the earlier medical tests that a pilot takes before getting the job. Moreover, it will be a time consuming affair and a pilot may or may not get a chance to fly with the airline anymore. Even if he will be permitted, he will have to wait for months together.

It may be recalled that Supreme Court earlier termed the strike by Air India pilots as against the law and ordered them to report to the duties. Will Air India pilots put an end to a strike and go for talks with the Air India management is a million dollar question. In case the strike doesn’t come to end, it would be nothing less than a wild goose chase of Air India pilots.      (Phani)