A prolonged strike by aircraft technicians at Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) has forced the company to recall nearly 50 retired technicians and rely on inexperienced recruits to maintain operations. The strike, led by the Air Maintenance Staff and Technicians Union, has entered its second week, following allegations that management refused to formally relieve several technicians who resigned. AIESL management has confirmed that about 50% of technicians at any center are new hires, which has raised safety concerns among union members. They argue that assigning critical maintenance tasks to these inexperienced staff and retired personnel, who have been out of active maintenance for years, compromises aviation safety. The situation has drawn the attention of the central labour department, which is examining whether provisions of the Code on Wages can be invoked to ensure timely settlement of terminal dues for resigning employees. As of now, approximately 180 technicians across the country have submitted their resignations, which could lead to prolonged disruptions in aircraft maintenance operations if the impasse persists.