Mini bus rams into shop, two women killed

Kazhakoottam: Two women died when a mini bus lost control and rammed into a flower shop.Two more were injured, including the driver. 
The deceased are Rajavathi, 72, from Katinakulam and Omana, 68, from Karakulam. Driver Baby and Radha from Karakulam were injured.
The accident occurred at 3 pm on Wednesday. The bus which came on the Katinakulam police station side, after losing control, ran into the flower shop near Katinakulam Mahadeva temple. Rajvathi was working as sweeper in the shop. Omana is the mother-in-law of the shop owner Karunakaran

Aviation ministry convenes meeting of recognised AI unions

With no end in sight to the pilots' strike that entered 10th day on Thursday, the civil aviation ministry has convened a meeting of all recognised trade unions of Air India next week to discuss issues relating to career progression and pay-scales. 'I am calling a meeting of all the recognised trade unions of Air India next week to discuss the career progression issues, including promotions also,' civil aviation minister Ajit Singh told reporters in New Delhi.
The move is aimed at checking further labour trouble and garnering support for the process of implementing the post-merger integration of Air India employees, as resentment is expected over salaries and career progression issues.
The Dharmadhikari Committee, which has recommended several measures on HR integration issues in post-merger Air India, is likely to be taken up for discussion at the meeting.
However, the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), which has been de-recognised by the airline for leading the pilots' stir over similar issues, is not likely to be part of the discussion as only 'recognised' unions are being invited.
With the civil aviation minister offering to hold talks unconditionally and promising that the airline would not be vindictive, the IPG has also stated they were open to talks to resolve the deadlock, but wanted the sacking of 71 of their colleagues and its derecognition to be revoked