Air hostesses (cabin crew) of Nepal Airlines have staged a protest, claiming injustice and discrimination from the management. The cabin crew, many of whom have been working for the airline for years, expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to implement the interim order issued by the Supreme Court and accused the management of ignoring their pleas for justice.
The protest took place at the central office of Nepal Airlines, where around 50 air hostesses held a sit-in from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the main entrance, preventing staff, including senior officials, from entering. Wearing black armbands, the air hostesses voiced their demands, vowing to continue their protest until their grievances are addressed. Senior air hostess Prajita Karki stated that the fight for justice would persist until their concerns are heard.
The root of the protest lies in the management’s decision not to renew the five-year contracts of the air hostesses. A senior official from Nepal Airlines stated, “The air hostesses were employed on a five-year contract, and that period has now ended. We are unable to extend their service.”
This protest follows a Supreme Court ruling issued a few months ago, ordering the airline not to discriminate between employees regarding service duration and benefits. Despite this, the cabin crew is facing termination, leading to dissatisfaction among the staff.
Approximately 172 cabin crew members had previously approached the Supreme Court, seeking justice for the alleged discrimination. The Court had issued an interim order, prioritizing the matter and directing the airline to ensure no prejudice or bias against the employees.
The protesting air hostesses have also submitted a memorandum to Tourism Minister Badri Pandey, urging immediate intervention to halt discriminatory practices. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, the air hostesses allege that the management is acting in a biased manner by initiating punitive actions against them.
During the protest, employees carried placards with slogans such as “Respect the Supreme Court Order,” “Stop Discrimination,” and “No Suppression Allowed,” calling for justice and fair treatment within the organization.
