NFIR -7th CPC Allowances, Minimum Wages, multiplying factor, pension parity, MACP, Running Staff Issues discussed in the Standing Committee Meeting of NC/JCM on 3rd May 2017

NFIR -7th CPC Allowances, Minimum Wages, multiplying factor, pension parity, MACP, Running Staff Issues discussed in the Standing Committee Meeting of NC/JCM on 3rd May 2017

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi - 110055

No. IV/NFIR/SCM/Part VII

Dated: 04/05/2017

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Brother,
Sub: Issues discussed in the Standing Committee Meeting of NC/JCM held at Room No. 119, North Block, New Delhi on 3rd May 2017-reg.

The Standing Committee Meeting of the NC/JCM held at Room No. 119, North Block, New Delhi on 3rd May 2017 under the chairmanship Secretary (Personnel), Government of India. S/Shri M. Raghavaiah , Leader JCM (Staff Side) and NFIR General Secretary, President NFIR Guman Singh, Working President R.P. Bhatnagar and Vice President K.S. Murty have participated in the meeting while representatives of other Federations/Associations have also taken part in the meeting.

2 Important points deliberated in the meeting:-

• In the opening address, the Leader JCM (Staff Side) has conveyed to the Secretary (Personnel), the serious disappointment and unhappiness among Central Government employees over breach of commitment on the part of Government on major issues. He cited the assurance given by the Senior Ministers on 30th June 2016 on the demand for revision of minimum wage, multiplying factor and official statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on 06th July 2016 for constituting High Level Committee to examine these issues for placing before the Cabinet. Unfortunately, only one meeting was held by the Additional Secretary (Expenditure) and thereafter nothing is known on these vital demands even after lapse of about 10 months. The Leader JCM (Staff Side) also expressed unhappiness over lack of transparency on several issues discussed, consequently the JCM (Staff Side) is kept in dark. He pointed out that the 7th CPC recommendation for revision of pension to the retired employees and said that although the JCM (Staff Side) is the major stake holder and held discussions, the contents of the report of the Committee are not made available to us. This reveals that the Government does not bother to share the information with JCM (Staff Side), he pointed out.
• On Allowances, he said that though discussions with the Staff Side JCM, the views of the Committee headed by Finance Secretary are not shared with the JCM (Staff Side). Apart from this, the decision on Allowances has been procrastinated for several months leading staff He further said that it is not known whether the Government will be modifying the recommendations of 7th CPC on Allowances on the basis of justification given by the JCM (Staff Side) as the report of the Committee though finally submitted, the proposals are not known to JCM (Staff Side). He urged upon the Chairman of the meeting to convey JCM (Staff Side) demand that Allowances should be given effect from Olst January 2016.

3.On other issues, the Leader JCM (Staff Side) pointed out were as follows:-

• 29% hike in the wages of Running Staff in Railways has not been ensured inspite of Resolution of Finance Ministry, Government of India. He said that the Railway Ministry's proposal is pending with Ministry of Finance.
• The references made by different ministries to the DoP&T/MoF as a result of discussions by the JCM constituents are pending with the Government without finality.

4. Conclusion:

• The Leader JCM (Staff Side) requested the Chairman of the meeting to convey unhappiness of the JCM (Staff Side) to the Government and also take initiatives on the points highlighted above, mainly minimum wage, multiplying factor, pension parity etc.
• The action taken statement on pending items have be reviewed in the meeting. The draft minutes are expected to be received soon from DoPT finalization of the minutes, same will be circulated.
• The Railway related demands mainly counting of temporary status service of casual labour in full for the purpose of retirement benefits was discussed in the meeting. It was assured to consider after further consultations with the Ministry of Railways.
• MACPS issues were discussed but however there is no finality.
• Re-fixation of pay of re-employed Defence Forces Personnel in the Central Government (POBRs) - under examination [ATS - S No. 26/Item No. 6(XIV)].So far as Standing Committee agenda items are concerned, special meeting will be convened by DoP&T for discussion.

The above is for information of the affiliates.

Yours fraternally,

Sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Resolve the 7th CPC related issues: Charter of demands - Deferment of Strike Action on Government's assurance

Charter of demands - Deferment of "Strike Action" on Government's assurance.  Resolve the 7th CPC related issues - mainly improvement of Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor: NFIR writes to RM

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110 055

No. IV/NFIR/7CPC(IMP)/2016/R.B.

Dated: 16/11/2016

Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Hon'ble Minister for Railways,
Rail Mantralaya,
New Delhi


Respected Sir,

Sub: Charter of demands - Deferment of "Strike Action" on Government's assurance-reg.


At the outset, NFIR conveys its thanks to the Hon'ble Railway Minister for his initiative which had culminated into a meeting with the Group of Ministers (Hon'ble Finance Minister, Home Minister, Railway Minister and the Minister of State for Railways) on 30th June 2016 and also a separate meeting with the Hon'ble Home Minister on 06th July 2016. Pursuant to the discussions in those meetings held between the NC/JCM (Staff Side) Leaders and the Hon'ble Ministers, an assurance was given by the Government on 6th July, 2016 that High Level Committee would consider 7th CPC issues - Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor etc., for satisfactory settlement through discussions.

Federation is disappointed to mention that although a Committee headed by Addl. Secretary (Exp), Ministry of Finance, was constituted and a few meetings were held with us, there has been no satisfactory progress. The main issues - Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factors are continued unresolved. Due to procrastination of the matters, the Central Government employees in general and Railway employees in particular are seriously disappointed as they feel that the Government is not sincere to fulfill its assurances. The National Convention of NFIR held at Guwahati from 9th to 11th November, 2016 has expressed grave concern over non- fulfillment of assurance and decided to mobilize railway employees for sustained struggle.

NFIR, therefore, requests the Hon'ble MR to kindly apprise the disappointed feelings of the employees to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for his intervention to resolve the 7th CPC related issues - mainly improvement of Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor through discussions with the Staff Side Federations very soon in order to preserve the healthy industrial relations in Railways.

Yours Sincerely,

sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Government's assurance on 7th CPC issues mainly relating to Minimum Wage & Multiplying Factor

NFIR Writes to PM on Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor issues

Government's assurance on 7th CPC issues mainly relating to Minimum Wage & Multiplying Factor - reg.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road, New Dlehi - 110055

No.IV/NJCA(N)/20l4/Part II

Dated: 1.11.2016

Shri Narendra Modiji,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
South Block,
Raisina Hill,
New Delhi-l10011

Respected Sir,
Sub: Government's assurance on 7th CPC issues mainly relating to Minimum Wage & Multiplying Factor - reg.

I seek you valuable time through this letter and place the following for kind consideration and immediate action.

The Central Government employees in general and Railway employees in particular were extremely upset over the retrograde recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission, particularly the recommendations relating to Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor. In the wake of Indefinite Strike decision on Charter of demands of NC/JCM Constituent Organizations (Railways, Defence, Postal Confederation etc)., the Group of Ministers held meetings with JCM (Staff Side) leaders on 30th June 2016 & 06th July 2016 and consequently assurance was given that a High Level Committee will examine 7th CPC issues mainly Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor. On this assurance, JCM Constituent organizations have deferred Strike action on 06th July, 2016.

Though a Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Addl. Secretary (Exp), Ministry of Finance and discussions held, the response has been disappointing. The employees of Railways and other Central Government departments are greatly disappointed over non-settlement of main issues through discussions.

May I request your kind attention in the matter for implementation of assurance given by Group of Ministers for the revision of Minimum Wage & Multiplying Factor through discussions with NC/JCM (Staff Side) very early.

With Pranams,

Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(Dr. M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Meeting of the Committee to examine the recommendations of 7th CPC regarding Allowances

Meeting of the Committee to examine the recommendations of 7th CPC regarding Allowances – September 1, 2016, North Block, New Delhi

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

No. IV/NFIR/7CPC(Imp)/Allowances/2016

Dated: 02.09.2016

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dear Brother,

Sub: Meeting of the Committee to examine the recommendations of 7th CPC regarding Allowances – September 1, 2016, North Block, New Delhi-reg.

The meeting of the Committee was held on 1st September, 2016 at Room No. 72, North Block, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expr) to discuss on 7th CPC allowances. The JCM (Staff Side) Standing Committee Members have participated in the meeting. All the Standing Committee Members (Staff Side) expressed their serious disappointment over non-fulfillment of the assurance given by the Finance Ministry on 6th July 2016 for setting up High Level Committee to examine 7th CPC issues mainly – Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor.

The Leader Staff Side & General Secretary, NFIR Shri M. Raghavaiah has explained to the Finance Secretary, the discussions held between JCM (Staff Side) Leaders & Senior Ministers namely S/Shri Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu and Shri Manoj Sinha on the night of 30th June, 2016 and subsequent meeting held on 6th July, 2016 with Union Home Minister. He further explained that an assurance was given to appoint a High Level Committee to examine the issues relating to Minimum Wage, Multiplying Factor and other allied issues and accordingly Finance Ministry had issued statement on the night of 06th July, 2016 that a High Level Committee will be constituted. Pursuant to this assurance, the Strike action was deferred by the NJCA/JCM (Staff Side). He conveyed that the non-fulfillment of assurance is causing disappointment among employees. He requested the Chairman of the meeting to take initiative for ensuring that the assurance given is fulfilled.

He also expressed disappointment over non-holding of National Council (JCM) meetings since the last six years, resulting accumulation of grievances.

On the “Allowances”, he urged upon the 7th Chairman to consider granting 30%, 20% & 10% of 7th CPC Pay, for the staff working in X, Y & Z Cities/Towns w.e.f. 01/01/2016. He also contended that the date of effect of the Allowances should be January 1, 2016.

Mr. Raghavaiah has also highlighted the 7th CPC aberrations on Transport Allowance and requested to take action for rectification. He said that Fixed Medical Allowance be revised upwardly. He invited the special attention of the Finance Secretary to Para 8.2.5 of the 7th CPC recommendation which is retrograde and needed to be rejected as the same would cause harm to staff. He cited the case of PCO Allowance, Special Allowance for announcing duties, Special Incentive allowance etc., admissible in railways which are required to be continued and hiked

President/NFIR Shri Guman Singh, Working President Shri R. P. Bhatnagar, Vice President Shri K.S. Murty also spoke and stressed upon the need to continue the existing Allowances like Break Down Allowance in Railways. They also expressed serious disappointment over non-revision of Minimum Wage and Multiplying Factor.

While there has been no commitment from the Chairman and Official Side of the Committee, the Finance Secretary however stated that further meetings will be held and in the meantime the JCM (Staff Side) may list out common issues and send the same to the Joint Secretary (Imp) and equally Departmental specified issues be sent through the respective Administrative Ministries for examination.

The above is for information of Affiliates.

Yours faithfully

sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source : NFIR