India: AIESL Nagpur MRO Employees Protest Against New NOC Policy, Claiming Violation of Employment Contracts and Career Mobility Rights

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Employees of the Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) at Nagpur’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility staged a protest on May 13, 2026, in response to a new internal policy that mandates a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before workers can apply for jobs at other companies. The protest, which unfolded outside the General Manager’s office, reflects growing discontent among the workforce over what they consider a violation of their contract terms.

The New NOC Policy and Employee Concerns

The new policy requires employees to obtain an NOC from the management before they can pursue career opportunities outside the company. According to the workers, this condition contradicts the terms of their original employment agreements, which only required serving a notice period or providing notice pay upon resignation. In their view, the NOC requirement was introduced unilaterally and deviates from the terms they agreed to when joining the company.

A worker involved in the protest explained that the issue affects all employees, not just a few individuals. They expressed frustration that the policy undermines the freedom to pursue better career opportunities.

Labor Authority Steps In

The protest garnered attention from labor authorities in Nagpur. The Deputy Chief Labor Commissioner issued a formal directive, reinforcing that resignation is an employee’s right, and no employer can restrict this right once the notice period or equivalent notice pay is provided. The workers allege, however, that despite this directive, management continues to impose procedural barriers, such as delays in processing resignations and requiring NOCs and management approvals. These delays, the employees argue, hinder their ability to transition to new roles in a timely manner, leading to potential financial and professional setbacks.

The Wider Implications for Career Mobility

For many workers, the dispute is not just about the NOC policy; it’s about the broader issue of career mobility and individual rights. They argue that the policy puts aviation professionals at a significant disadvantage, especially in an industry that is highly competitive. According to the protesters, the company’s decision is not only a direct violation of their rights but also an act that will discourage skilled workers from seeking career advancement opportunities.

One of the employees participating in the protest stated, “We have dedicated years of hard work to this company. We are employees, not prisoners. Every employee should have the right to move on for a better career, for their future.” This sentiment was echoed by other workers who emphasized that the decision affects the entire workforce, particularly younger employees who are trying to build a successful career in aviation engineering.

Protests and Demands for Change

The employees have made several demands to the AIESL management. They are calling for the immediate removal of the NOC requirement, which they believe falls outside the framework of their original employment contracts. Additionally, they are requesting that the directives issued by the Deputy Chief Labor Commissioner be respected. This includes processing resignations promptly and in line with their contract terms without unnecessary procedural delays.

The workers have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. They are particularly concerned about the future of new employees, who may face similar issues if the NOC policy is not repealed. The protestors argue that, by blocking their ability to resign freely, the company is curbing their professional growth, making it difficult for them to progress in their careers.

Management’s Response and the Future of the Protest

At the time of writing, AIESL management has not made a formal public response to the protest. However, the workers are holding firm in their stance, indicating they will not back down until their concerns are addressed. As the matter escalates, it has drawn attention to broader concerns in the aviation and engineering sectors about the balance between employer power and employee rights.

The employees are urging the company to reconsider the policy and to adopt a more transparent and fair approach to resignation and career progression. By honoring their right to resign, the company would not only comply with labor laws but also foster a more positive and supportive work environment.

A Broader Issue of Employee Rights in the Aviation Industry

The protest at AIESL’s Nagpur MRO facility is not just a local dispute but a reflection of wider issues concerning labor rights and career freedom within the aviation industry. The NOC policy has sparked a heated debate about the balance of power between employers and employees, with workers demanding greater recognition of their rights to pursue career opportunities of their choosing.

As the protest continues, it will likely attract more attention, particularly as labor authorities get involved and as the impact of the policy is felt more broadly. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, not only within AIESL but across the aviation and engineering sectors.