Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has dismissed the president and secretary general of the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) following a growing dispute between the airline’s management and engineering staff, which recently affected flight operations.
A notification confirmed that SAEP President Abdullah Jadoon and Secretary General Awais Jadoon were removed from their positions under PIA regulations after they failed to attend personal hearings on November 4 and 5 before the airline’s CEO. These hearings were part of inquiries initiated last year, with multiple opportunities given to the officials to present their case.
Sources indicated that the decision coincides with ongoing protests by aircraft engineers over working conditions and safety concerns. Awais Jadoon stated that the dismissals were linked to engineers refusing to clear aircraft with technical faults. He added that the union plans to challenge the decision in court, citing safety concerns and alleged violations of aviation maintenance standards.
The protest by engineers caused delays to numerous flights in Karachi, prompting PIA to arrange alternative maintenance solutions. Engineers had stopped issuing safety clearances, grounding several aircraft and leaving passengers stranded.
SAEP members had been wearing black armbands for over two months to press their demands. Despite this prolonged peaceful protest, the airline management did not engage in formal negotiations. The engineers have not received a salary increase in eight years and claim that spare part shortages force them to clear aircraft despite technical issues.
The CEO of PIA has ordered strict action against employees disrupting operations, warning of disciplinary measures. A PIA spokesperson also questioned the legal standing of the engineers’ union, alleging the movement aims to sabotage the airline’s privatization. He emphasized that under the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, strikes or walkouts at the national airline are illegal and will face legal consequences.
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