New Delhi: Shortly after Union Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma spoke of the possibility of a breakthrough in Air India pilots strike, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a strong statement saying the airline management would neither hold any talks with the derecognised pilots union, nor revoke disciplinary action against the pilots.

"Neither the Civil Aviation Ministry, nor the Air India management propose to have any talks with leaders of the derecognised union of AI pilots," a statement issued by the Ministry said.

"While pilots are welcome to rejoin duty, it is clarified that neither Government nor AI management have any intention to revoke the derecognition of Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) or the disciplinary action, including suspension, taken against the agitating pilots," it said.

Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain said the doors were open for all pilots to join duties barring those against whom disciplinary action has been initiated.

"I totally deny that there will be any talks between the government or the AI management with the derecognised union. There will also be no withdrawal of orders of disciplinary action as also of derecognition of IPG," he said, adding, "We have not appointed any mediator."

The statement came soon after Verma told reporters that "talks" with the striking pilots were "progressing in a positive direction" and some breakthrough was expected by May 1 midnight.

PTI