Disinvestment: Air India CMD reassures employees in a letter

New Delhi: Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani has written a letter to the employees of Air India. The letter aims to prepare the employees of the national carrier for the 'ongoing' government initiative for the disinvestment. At the same time reassuring the airline's staff that the current management of Air India duly shares their concerns and is taking necessary steps to protect their interests, even as the employees' unions are planning to protest against the government's disinvestment move.

Counted constraints

Lohani said Air India has been going through an extremely stretched financial situation and the position gets compounded due to legacy issues and the constraining environment being a PSU the Air India has to live with. The letter's timing is important because Wednesday only various trade and employees unions having a representation of Air India had announced protests against privatisation. The unions said that there is no clarity regarding salary arrears and pensions. The letter came to all the employees of Air India on their respective emails, Thursday evening.

It is natural that many employees would be concerned about the future in light of the disinvestment scenario as any change in ownership brings about changes in the work culture and environment"- Ashwani Lohani, Air India CMD

The government is planning to invite bids for the national carrier next month.

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Reassured employees

Lohani said, "Air India, your very own national carrier, is easily the most well-known Indian brand across the globe. It is incumbent upon all of us together to ensure that the brand retains its sheen even in the present testing times. It is natural that many employees would be concerned about the future in light of the disinvestment scenario as any change in ownership brings about changes in the work culture and environment." "Kindly be rest assured that the management fully shares your concerns and is taking necessary steps to protect the genuine interests of all Air Indians," said the Air India CMD.

Air India CMD writes a letter to reassure employees of their interests and prepare them for disinvestment

The government would be conducting roadshows at global financial centres like London and Singapore this month to entice investors for the disinvestment.

Praised disinvestment

"It (disinvestment) may enable sustainability as well as help in attaining the full inherent potential of the national carrier, thereby also helping the nation in attaining its economic goals," Lohani pointed. "At this juncture, despite considerable constraints, it is essential that Air India's as always continue to put in their best efforts in their area of responsibility," CMD concluded in the letter.

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