Update: The strike is over, after talks between the union and management. The details are unknown at this point but we sure hope it was worth inconveniencing thousands of passengers. Kudos to the Delhi High Court for forcing the unions’ hand by declaring the strike illegal.

Being an “evil NRI“, I visit India 2 weeks every year. In those 2 weeks, not accounting for the lost time in inter-continental travel, I try to cram in as many trips to friends and relatives over the country as I can. This is my nightmare scenario come true.

Be Indian, don’t fly Indian

One of my worst travelling fears is, when travelling within India is being stuck in Chennai or Delhi and having to catch a flight out of Mumbai to the US in a day or two. If it were up to Indian airlines, now masquerading as (and proudly sullying the name) “Indian”, they will grant me this nightmare ………. soon!!!

There was a discussion on the motel post, where I expressed my reservations against mixing (jingoistic) patriotism and business, irrespective of what country or culture you belong to.

When this happens, it usually results in the quality of the final product being diluted instead of improving. For those who decided to travel by Indian because its name invokes patriotic feelings, this argument would ring true now.

Indian airlines took a new look, new and shorter name and tried to up its image. But its still stuck in the 70s-80s socialist “mazdoor” union laden mentality. One fine morning, the leader of the unions (would I be wrong in calling them scumbags?), up and decided they were not being paid enough and went on a flash strike. Now I’m not saying they dont deserve to fight for a better wage, but going on a strike with zero notice and inconveniencing thousands across the nation?? That’s called blackmail.

If you think I’m being too harsh on poor underpaid workers, just think about the people on board some of whom are travelling – to cremate a deceased parent, to meet a child, to meet a loved one or get married, to interview for or join their dream job, to close a business deal on which their livelihood depends. I’m glad you considered these people because the airline employees union did not. These people were left with no alternatives because some “wise” folks in an union decided to go on a flash strike.

So next time you’re visiting India or travelling within India, do the right thing.
Be Indian, don’t fly Indian.

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