PIA fires union leaders over dispute in hike in salaries
Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) has terminated the services of Abdullah
Jadoon, President of the Society
of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), and Awais Jadoon, its Secretary
General, amid an escalating standoff between the national carrier and its
engineering staff.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafiz
confirmed the dismissals, adding that formal notices had been issued to both
officials. The dismissal letters cite multiple violations, including holding a
press conference without authorization and the unauthorized disclosure of
confidential operational information and images.
According to the letters, both
engineers failed to appear before the inquiry committee and the chief executive
officer despite being given repeated opportunities to defend themselves. The
inquiry concluded that the two were guilty of misconduct, prompting their
immediate dismissal from PIA.
Read More Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) employees protest against privatization of
national carrier
The decision comes as tensions continue to rise between PIA management and the SAEP, whose members have refused to issue aircraft clearance certificates for over two months in protest over salary revisions and other demands. The action has caused widespread flight delays and disruptions across major airports.
While PIA maintains that the
engineers’ protest amounts to an illegal strike under the Essential Services
Act, the SAEP insists its members are on duty but are prioritizing aircraft
safety and airworthiness.
Awais Jadoon earlier stated that
engineers could not be pressured into approving aircraft that failed to meet
safety standards, adding, “We are being forced to issue clearance certificates,
but we cannot put passengers’ lives at risk.”
Read More PIA
criticized over attempt to seal engineers' office
PIA, meanwhile, has accused the protesting engineers of attempting to sabotage the airline’s ongoing privatization process. Despite the disruptions, the airline claims to have partially restored operations through alternative arrangements, ensuring minimal impact on passengers.
Source: Dawn