An airline that refused to grant a pilot’s leave request is now facing the collective wrath of the internet. Screenshots of an email denying leave to the pilot, who apparently wanted to accompany his mother for her medical check-up, emerged on social media today. The screenshots sparked anger and displeasure on social media as many criticised the airline for overlooking the needs of their employees.
In the email denying leave to their pilot, the airline encouraged them to reschedule the medical appointment and suggested getting a relative to help out instead.
“We are sorry to hear about your mother’s illness, and understand the importance of being there for her during this time. However, after careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to grant your request for emergency leave. We would encourage you to explore alternative solutions such as rescheduling the medical check-up appointment or seeking support from family and friends to provide assistance during this time,” the email, addressed to one “Captain J…” read.
The name of the pilot has been blotted out in the screenshot, while the name of the airline is never mentioned. However, journalist-activist Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj identified the organisation as full-service airline Vistara.
The Economic Times aviation editor Tarun Shukla confirmed the airline in question is Vistara.
On the microblogging platform X, where the screenshot was shared widely, several people criticised Vistara.
“I think the ‘human’ element is being completing taken out of a pilot- airline equation. But pilots are expected to ‘fly safe’ and be happy in any situation! Pits!” wrote X user Manisha Singhal.
“This is what happens when you recruit non qualified HR,” another said.
“This is sickening. Emergencies don't arrive with a sign. What is the use of having emergency leaves if the pilots can't avail them? This is such a toxic workplace dynamic,” a third commenter added.
Several others slammed the response as inhumane and called on Vistara to do the right thing and grant leave to the employee.
Meanwhile, a Vistara spokesperson told Moneycontrol: “We have come across a screenshot of one particular email, a response to one of our pilots’ request for leaves, being shared online with little context of the entire discussion. We would like to clarify that the requested leaves were for a duration of three days in the future (submitted 8 days prior to the appointment) for medical check-ups of the pilot’s mother, which do not qualify as ‘Emergency Leaves’. Hence, the leaves were denied and alternates were offered like rescheduling the medical check-up or exploring flexibility in the pilot’s roster."
It further added: "As a people-friendly organization, we never deny leaves for emergencies and in fact, extend all possible support to employees in such situations.”
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