The implementation of the Dharmadhikari Report has finally begun, with the release of the integrated seniority lists of Middle Management, Lower level Management, and Grade I and II workers. Upper level management integration already was carried out earlier in the merger process.
Seniority lists of almost 4,500 officers of non-technical cadres in various departments have been uploaded onto AI’s internal website. Employees have the next ten days to voice complaints about anomalies in the list.
The merged seniority lists of pilots and engineers have not been completed yet due to “technical issues.”
It’s a testament to the sad state of affairs at the company that this step is only being taken five years after the merger. The human resources mess has led to strikes by the ex-Indian Airlines pilot union ICPA, the ex-Air India pilot union IPG, and sparked widespread protest throughout the company.
Information can be found on the IPG’s position and the ICPA’s position. Even in management, similar trends can be found – Air India was very tight fisted with seniority promotions, while Indian Airlines was very generous. The Dharmadhikari Report does not take this into account when suggesting how to integrate human resources, leading to friction over seniority issues.