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Pilots’ Guild denies Minister’s comments over engaging in industrial actions
While claiming that they have not resorted to any industrial actions, the Airline Pilots' Guild of Sri Lanka (ALPGSL) stressed in a statement that they actively engage with the management and the relevant authorities, including the Minister, to seek solutions to the matters affecting the airline throughout this entire time.
The statement was made due to the disappointment of the ALPGSL and to clarify the comments to the media by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.
According to the Minister, the pilots of the national carrier were engaged in an industrial action that had contributed to the current status of the airline.
The ALPGSL reminded the Minister and the management of the airline that continuous action of the management has resulted in the mass exodus of pilots and the dejection and distress among the pilot cadre and employees in general, given the conduct of the management.
In response to the statement by the Minister that the pilots have refused to work on their off days, the ALPGSL said that the pilots' off days are governed by the ICAO-set regulations, which are mandatory to be granted and are also closely monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
However, the Minister had commented that granting fifth freedom rights to other carriers, primarily benefiting Middle Eastern airlines, demonstrates a lack of consideration for the national airline.
"This could undermine the airline's position on lucrative, high-demand and high-yield routes, potentially allowing financially stronger airlines to seize all the revenue, ultimately deflating the profitability of these routes for the country," the ALPGSL highlighted.
Moreover, the statement said that the decision to recruit foreign pilots to the airline has also not bore fruit, given the low salary offered by the airline.
It is important to highlight that the pilots, engineers and cabin crew at SriLankan Airlines have played an instrumental role in achieving the highest standards of safety and service, especially during the COVID pandemic, the ALPGSL underscored.
"The pilots at SriLankan Airlines wish to reassure our valued passengers that the airline remains in capable and safe hands in terms of its operation,"
ALPGSL is committed to promoting the interests of its members and the welfare of SriLankan Airlines, and we remain open to productive dialogue that support the growth and prosperity of our national carrier," it added.
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