New Delhi: The Air India pilots in a letter informed the Air India management they are going on strike if pan-India vaccination camps are not held for them. They have questioned why they were excluded from the vaccination camps for 18-45-year age group held by the management.

The Air India pilots alleged that vaccine camps were held at few bases for employees doing desk jobs and the majority opting to work from home. The pilots in their letter accused the top management of making a Mockery of pilots discharging their duties in a risky environment. The pilots said that they have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, risking life and limb to ensure our citizens “well-being”.  

Many crew members have been diagnosed Covid positive and are struggling to get oxygen cylinders. We are left to fend for ourselves for hospitalization, their letter read. The pilots in a letter wrote that with no healthcare support to the flying crew, no insurance and a massive opportunistic pay cut, we are in no position to continue risking the lives of our pilots without vaccination.

Air India has been operating flights since the lockdown was partially lifted last year, bringing in Indian nationals stranded abroad during the pandemic. They also ferried supplies of medication and hospital equipment, including PPE kits and other items to remote corners of the country. The pilots said the disease has taken a toll on them too.