The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) management clarified its stance on derecognising the numerous associations working in PIA and encroaching in the management of the company without any legal basis, baring the trade unions or CBA which has a constitutional role and protection.

In a press release issued here on Monday, it said that there were numerous calls from different political circles calling the move illegal and unconstitutional with articles appearing in newspapers and social media calling the actions taken as infringement upon the rights of poor and low waged employees, which at best can be termed as being misguided and uninformed.

It is reiterated once again for the consumption of the public at large that these associations did not possess any legal bargaining rights and also were not also covered under the labour laws of the land and the world. These organizations have been registered as societies for the welfare of the staff and over the period of times were given space to negotiate salaries, perks, transfers, postings and placements of people at key positions, working as pressure groups.

The Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) or Union for staff cadre or low pay employees remains intact and effective, which actually represents the labour and lower cadre low waged staff of PIA. The de-recognition of associations (not CBA) have been taken in extreme circumstances and the ensuing emergency situation in the country rather across the globe and it has the consent of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

These measures are without prejudice and not particularly aimed against the employees of the company but against the associations of employees that do not possess a legal standing and were being an impediment in the smooth operation of PIA’s repatriation flights to rescue stranded Pakistanis abroad creating unnecessarily discord in the execution and/or functioning of PIA, and putting the lives and livelihoods of honest, hardworking employees in harms-way in order to pursue political or other ulterior motives. 

Additionally there has been no change in salary, allowances and other facilities of any employee consequent to the de-recognition of associations including that of pilots, it added.