New Delhi: Tata-owned Air India has undergone a recent wave of layoffs, impacting over 180 employees in non-flying roles. The airline, taken over by the Tata Group in January 2022, cites streamlining its business model as the reason behind the job cuts.
Air India claims these employees were unable to take advantage of voluntary retirement schemes (VRS) or reskilling opportunities offered by the company. The airline underwent an “assessment process” over the past 18 months to determine the suitability of its workforce for the new direction it’s charting.
“A comprehensive process has been followed to assess the suitability of all employees over the past 18 months. During this phase, there have also been multiple Voluntary Retirement Schemes and reskilling opportunities offered to employees,” said the spokesperson.
While the airline hasn’t confirmed the exact number, sources suggest it’s slightly above 180, representing less than 1% of their total workforce of around 18,000. The company maintains they are honoring all contractual obligations to the laid-off employees.
This move comes amidst efforts by the Tata Group to revitalize Air India, which was known for financial struggles before the takeover. The airline’s “Vihaan.AI” initiative focuses on creating a more agile and efficient organizational structure to support its growth ambitions.
The layoffs have sparked discussions about the challenges of restructuring large enterprises. While the Tata Group aims to make Air India profitable, the human cost of such efforts can be significant. The future holds questions about how effectively the airline can integrate these changes while ensuring a smooth transition for its remaining workforce.
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