Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has said that the government is ready to discuss all issues with the striking Air India pilots. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha today in response to demands by members, Mr Singh said that the pilots are on a strike for the last 14 days, which has already been declared illegal by Bombay High Court. He said the pilots struck work without giving any notice. He said several

pilots reported sick. The Minister said the pilots have been demanding payment of outstanding dues, non-functional commander ranks for those who have completed six years of service and training on Air India's new acquisition of the Dreamliner only by erstwhile Air India pilots.

He said Air India, which has started turn around recently, has again in a bad shape and described the situation as tense. The Minister said the government has offered financial package for the improvement of the Air India operations. He said the ongoing strike may jeopardize

the package. Later, seeking clarifications members, cutting across party lines, wanted to know what steps the government is planning to put an end to the strike, which is affecting the credibility of the public carrier.