THE JOB profile said bird scarer, but what 28 men did not bargain for while taking up employment was the even scarier work conditions. Contracted more than a decade ago by a private agency to keep birds off Chennai Airport limits, more specifically the runways, these men feel exploited. The duty involves standing long hours and bursting crackers to ensure absolute absence of birds from the runway area. The hot sun and rain are accepted as professional hazards. But the lack of minimum support rankles. Airport sources admit that bird scarers have an extremely important role because birds are a threat to aircraft, especially during landing and take-off. Aware of their responsibilities, the bird scarers ensure safety for aircraft and passengers. However, they end up feeling slighted. A bird scarer, who declines to be identified, says, "Our job is extremely demanding physically." Despite the tough conditions we do not get umbrellas, gumboots or raincoats, he claims. "Nowadays, some of us are forced to pick up papers scattered on the runway," he adds. Another bird scarer says protective gear would help avoid accidental injuries while bursting crackers. "We are vulnerable to problems relating to reduction in hearing capability and heart ailments," he adds. The bird scarers also feel that their salaries do not justify the jobs they perform. They get Rs 3,800 a month and Rs 750 is deducted for statutory benefits. A few bird scarers claim, "Except the weekly offs, if we avail of a day's leave we lose that day's salary." On the plight of the bird scarers, Chennai Airport Director Dinesh Kumar says, "We can act only under rules and regulations."