The Palakkad Division of Southern Railway has accused several retired loco pilots of instigating a section of the loco running staff to go on strike, warning them of stern action.
The strike, organized by the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), has been ongoing since June 1.
The striking loco pilots are demanding 46 hours of rest instead of the current 30 hours.
The Railways claimed that loco pilots in the Palakkad division clock only 80 percent of the stipulated working hours compared to those in various depots of adjacent South Western and South Central Railways or Chennai division of Southern Railway.
Since the strike began, 46 goods train services have been affected due to loco pilots joining late for duty.
The Palakkad Division of Southern Railway has accused several retired loco pilots of instigating a section of the loco running staff to go on strike, warning them of stern action. The strike, organized by the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), has been ongoing since June 1. The striking loco pilots are demanding 46 hours of rest instead of the current 30 hours.
In a statement, the Palakkad Division said, “It has been identified that the loco pilots’ strike in the railway divisions in Kerala is a plot masterminded by a few retired loco pilots of these divisions to disrupt the system of train operations by instigating working pilots, especially those who are not aware of the working rules in Railways.” The involvement of the “retired personnel adds a layer of complexity” to the situation.
The Railways claimed that loco pilots in the Palakkad division clock only 80 percent of the stipulated working hours compared to those in various depots of adjacent South Western and South Central Railways or Chennai division of Southern Railway. “In India, no similar strikes have been reported elsewhere except in the Palakkad division, which shows that the strike has been influenced by the vested interests of a small group of individuals,” the statement added.
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The union leading the strike is ‘unrecognised’, according to the Railways. “Palakkad division cannot show any leniency to the unlawful behaviour of absenting from duty on completion of rest and demands that are against the approved labour laws, as these activities will systematically disrupt the crew rosters and pave way for more inefficiency and further reduce the already less working hours,” the statement read.
Since the strike began, 46 goods train services have been affected due to loco pilots joining late for duty.
(WIth inputs from PTI)
