New Delhi: The Air Line Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA), which represents 1,200 active pilots, has expressed strong concerns over what it describes as unilateral disciplinary actions against airline employees without fair hearings.
ALPA General Secretary Captain Anil Rao in a formal communication to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday said there have been numerous instances where employees were subjected to adverse decisions without being given a chance to present their case or be represented, either personally or through legal counsel, TNIE reported.
Rao accused airlines of disregarding the fundamental legal principle of the “right to be heard” (audi alteram partem), noting that this has caused undue stress, reputational damage, and, in some cases, the loss of livelihood. The association’s statement also underscored growing unease over the way airlines are handling internal investigations involving pilots and cabin crew.
ALPA urged DGCA to mandate that airlines allow proper representation through legal counsel during inquiries and prevent ex parte decisions affecting employment.
The statement clarified that, under Section 2(s) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, most aviation staff—including pilots (except those in managerial posts), co-pilots, flight engineers, cabin crew, maintenance engineers, technicians, ground staff, and ticketing agents—are classified as “workmen.”
This classification, upheld by the Supreme Court and various High Courts, is determined by the nature of an employee’s duties rather than their job title or salary.
ALPA called on the DGCA to require airlines to permit proper legal representation during inquiries and to prevent ex parte decisions that could impact employment.
The association emphasised that no suspension or termination should take place without giving employees a fair opportunity to present their case. The appeal follows a rise in complaints from aviation professionals about unjust disciplinary processes in the sector.