‘Whom Should We Blame, Goyal or SBI?’ Jet Employees Feel Betrayed

More than 250 Jet Airways employees assembled at Jantar Mantar to make an appeal to the government.

Jet Airways employees protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi

(Photo: Abhik Deb/The Quint)

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

A day after Jet Airways grounded its operations temporarily, the cash-strapped airlines’ employees on Thursday, 18 April, let out their anger against the government, management and lenders.

More than 250 employees of the beleaguered carrier assembled at Jantar Mantar in the national capital to make an appeal to the government to bail out Jet Airways and ensure that the Rs 1,500 crore capital infusion promised by the SBI-led consortium is disbursed.

‘Our Families’ Futures Are at Stake’

Having not received their salaries for at least three months, Jet Airways employees are concerned about how their families will cope with the situation.

“All of us have EMIs to pay. Moreover it’s the month of March when the annual school fees are to be paid. We are in a scenario where our children might be thrown out of their schools,” said a Jet employee, speaking to The Quint.

“My daughter appeared for the Standard 12 exam this year. We were looking at options to pursue her higher education. We are left nowhere now. I have had to ask my parents to lend me some money (sic),” another Jet employee said.

‘Why Did the Banks Take Over?’

The common refrain among all the protesters on Thursday was the fact that they felt let down by the SBI-led banks’ consortium, which had promised a capital infusion of Rs 1,500 crore, but did not disburse the amount eventually.

“They had put forth the condition that Naresh Goyal would have to step out, which he did. But the Rs 1,500 crore was not given. We then asked for Rs 1,000 crore, they again declined. Finally, we asked for Rs 400 crore, but even that was not given to us. Why was Goyal asked to leave the company then?” an employee said.

“We need funds on an emergency basis at the moment. If we are not able to fly, how can we even expect to come out of this situation,” said another employee, speaking to The Quint.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the banks reiterated that they are reasonably hopeful of a successful bidding process for a stake sale. The announcement from the lenders came early morning ahead of market opening.