The Maharajah's slim demands

Air India sacks 10 air hostesses for being overweight

In these days of global meltdown, airlines are being forced to shed weight and trim their size to keep flying. But national carrier Air India has given the term downsizing a literal twist. It has sacked 10 air hostesses who refused to reduce their extra weight!

"Those who have been asked to leave were given sufficient opportunity to reduce their weight. However, they failed to match the acceptable standards. The Delhi High Court has upheld our policy of taking action against overweight air hostesses. The action has been taken as per company rules," said an Air India official, wishing anonymity. The termination orders were served last week.

Air India is fighting a case in the Supreme Court against another batch of overweight air hostesses it had terminated last year. The carrier had won the case in the lower court before the employees moved the Apex Court.

The recently sacked air hostesses, however, are crying foul over being terminated just for a couple of extra kilos. "A number of us are overweight but by barely two or three kg. This decision is not fair. After serving the company for 20 to 25 years, we are being shown the door," said a sacked air hostess, wishing not to be named.

"Our termination is illegal. We will approach the Supreme Court again on these fresh orders. Not all of us are serving as cabin crew. A number of us have already been shifted to ground duties. The company did not even bother to serve a notice before sacking us," said an air hostess, requesting anonymity.

In May, 2008, the Delhi High Court had turned down the plea of a group of Air India air hostess who had challenged the carrier's move to sack them because of their extra weight. The court termed the orders as a policy matter of the company. However, in August, 2008, the air hostesses approached the Supreme Court. The case is still pending.