AIRF warns of all India stir on Dec 21, 22

The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) has kept its strike option open and railway employees all over the country will go on a strike on December 21 and 22, if no positive action is taken by the government on the pending demands by then, according to AIRF general secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra.

He was here to participate in the inaugural of the fourth biennial general body meeting of the East Coast Railway Shramik Union (ECoRSU) which began here on Tuesday.

Addressing a media conference on the occasion, Mr. Mishra recalled that the 88th annual conference of AIRF held in Visakhapatnam last year had passed resolutions on 38 demands of which only seven could be achieved. He said that the announcement of the 7th Central Pay Commission and cadre restructuring were achieved after they were resolved at the historic annual convention in the city last year. However, an announcement on these issues was made by the Railway Ministry only after AIRF General Council decided on September 13, this year, to go on a strike.

He said that the decision on cadre restructuring would benefit over 5 lakh railway employees. Orders were also issued on payment of one increment in some categories like running staff, while promoting in same grade pay.

Mr. Mishra said that a large number of demands still remained unresolved and the AIRF has no other option but to go on a strike. These include: removal of the anomalies of the 6th Pay Commission, abolition of the New Pension Scheme, reduction of duty hours and improvement in the living and working conditions.

ECoRSU general secretary Ch. Gandhi said that the 4th zonal convention being held in the city would discuss the issues to be taken up at the 89th Annual Conference of AIRF to be held in Patna from November 22 to 24.

UPA draws flak

The indifference of the UPA Government and the Ministry of Railways towards the long-pending grievances of railway employees came in for severe criticism at the inaugural of the 4th biennial general body meeting of the East Coast Railway Shramik Union (ECoRSU) here on Tuesday.

General secretary of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) Shiv Gopal Mishra, who participated as chief guest, lambasted the government and the Railway Ministry for their ‘anti-labour’ policies and non-responsive attitude in solving the long-pending demands of railwaymen. He said that the AIRF would not tolerate any further delay and was ready for direct action.