In a further blow to Go First, the airline is grappling with a mounting crisis as more than 150 employees have tendered their resignations in the past two weeks.
The situation continues to worsen as reports indicate that many more staff members are contemplating leaving the airline due to prolonged salary delays.
Salary Woes and Employee Exodus: Go First, already struggling to initiate operations, has now encountered another significant challenge.
Employees of the company have been enduring a three-month salary backlog, leading them to explore job opportunities elsewhere.
Broken Promises: Despite assurances of retention bonuses and a recommencement of operations, employees remain unpaid for the months of May, June, and July.
This prolonged non-payment has caused immense dissatisfaction among the workforce.
Resignation Surge: Initially, some employees expressed solidarity with the airline, but this month has seen a surge in discontent, resulting in a growing number of resignations.
Approximately 150 employees have stepped down over the last fortnight, including 30 pilots, 50 cabin crew members, and 50 personnel from group handling and engineering departments.
Impact of Supreme Court Verdict: The discontent has been exacerbated by the recent Supreme Court ruling on August 7.
The court’s decision to dismiss an appeal against a Delhi High Court verdict allowing aircraft suppliers to monitor and maintain their planes has further demoralized employees.
Unmet Salary Pledges: Despite assurances from Go First CEO Kaushik Khona that salaries would be disbursed by August 10, employees report that they have yet to receive their overdue wages.
Looming Threat of Further Departures: An executive from the airline has raised concerns that if salaries are not promptly paid, an impending wave of resignations could cripple the airline.
The situation is dire, with no payment having been made to any department for three consecutive months, resulting in a demoralized workforce on the brink of departure.
As Go First grapples with ongoing operational challenges and a disgruntled workforce, addressing the salary crisis becomes imperative to retaining experienced staff and ensuring the airline’s sustainable future.
