Brief of the meeting held today with Hon'ble Minister for Railways on the burning issues of the Railwaymen

AIRF Meeting with Railway Minister - Burning Issues Discussed

  Brief of the meeting held today with Hon'ble Minister for Railways on the burning issues of the Railwaymen

A.I.R.F.
All India Railwaymen's Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi - 1100055

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: January 22, 2019

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions

Dear Comrades,
Sub: Brief of the meeting held today with Hon'ble Minister for Railways on the burning issues of the Railwaymen

Today I had detailed discussions on the pending major issues in a meeting with Hon'ble Minister for Railways in the presence of CRB and Member Staff. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and I noticed quite positive attitude of Hon'ble MR on almost all the major issues. Brief details of the discussions held is as under:-

(i) Revision of rates of Running Allowances and other allowances related to Running Staff - This issue was discussed threadbare and Hon'ble MR had reservations about the proposed rates on the plea that, it will result in further increase in operating ratio. He also said that, according to Finance it comes to Rs.398/-. I explained the matter in detail and also advised him about the formula, on the basis of which it comes out to Rs.648/-. Finally, he agreed to further process the case file to MoF for Rs.525/- and advised the CRB and MS accordingly. It is expected that the case will be sent to MoF shortly.

(ii) Four-grade structure(in the ratio of 10:20:20:50) to Track Maintainers - This issue was also discussed in details and it was explained to Hon'ble MR that; the entire process is financially neutral. He directed the MS to issue orders immediately, because it has been already agreed with the AIRF in previous negotiations.

(iii) Restructuring of IT Cadre - I explained that, all the Cadre Restructuring have always been based on the sanctioned strength of the cadre and not on roll as also entire process of Cadre Restructuring is always with financial neutrality, as such, same principle should be applied in case of Cadre Restructuring of IT Cadre also. I also reminded him that, this issue has been agreed by the FC in his chamber during discussions. Hon'ble MR agreed to it and advised the MS to take action accordingly.

(iv) Promotional prospects of educated staff working in lower grades in GP Rs.1800(Level-1 of VII CPC) - I mentioned that, a large-number of highly educated people are available now in the lowest grade, who are very much curious for their career advancement. I further mentioned that, AIRF has already proposed the Railway Board to divert 10% posts, earmarked for Direct Recruitment, to LDCE open to all, so that, qualified Track Maintainers and staff of all departments and categories, who are having academic qualification, prescribed for Direct Recruitment on these higher grade posts, can be considered for promotion, which will definitely give some relief to such staff. Hon'ble MR was in an agreement with this proposal and asked the CRB and MS to take necessary action in the matter.

(v) Advancement prospects for the staff in erstwhile GP Rs.1800 and GP Rs.4600 - I explained to Hon'ble MR that, in view of poor prospects of advancement, there is serious discontentment amongst the staff working in the said two grade pay. AIRF has, therefore, proposed that, 50% posts in GP Rs.1800, i.e. Level-1 of VII CPC, be upgraded to GP Rs.1900, i.e. Level-2 of VII CPC, with financial neutrality. Hon'ble MR also agreed to this proposal and advised the CRB and MS to take necessary action in the matter.
So far as promotional prospects of the staff in GP Rs.4600 is concerned, it was informed that, Board is working out some solution to convert some posts of GP Rs.4600 to Gazetted Cadre.

(vi) LARSGESS - On the issue of LARSGESS, Hon'ble MR said, that, the Attorney General has very clearly written that, this scheme is unconstitutional, hence will not sustain before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. In the wake of this, we are proceeding to Hon'ble Supreme Court with those cases who have completed all formalities. On the issue of LARSGESS, AIRF is also likely to file a petition in the Hon'ble Supreme Court, and for that we are in consultation with the eminent lawyer.

Apart from the above, I also discussed the issues of Guaranteed Pension to NPS covered employees and improvement in Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula and requested Hon'ble MR to convene a meeting with Hon'ble Prime Minister on these significant issues. He assured that he would take these issues with all seriousness and would try to arrange a meeting with Hon'ble Prime Minister.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

Brief of the meeting held on 07.12.2018 with Hon'ble Minister for Railways

Brief of the meeting held on 07.12.2018 with Hon'ble Minister for Railways

All India Railwaymen's Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi - 110055

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: December 8, 2018

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Sub: Brief of the meeting held on 07.12.2018 with Hon'ble Minister for Railways

Dear Comrades,
Yesterday I met Hon'ble Minister for Railways and shown our anguish against the inordinate delay in resolving the problems of the Railwaymen at an earliest. We have also mentioned about the discussions held with the Railway Board on 4-5 December, 2018 and our decision of "Work To Rule".

He had given positive response and called the Member Staff and Financial Commissioner(Railways), Railway Board, telling them to resolve the problems of the Railwaymen at an earliest, including implementation of four grade structure, in the ratio of 10:20:20:50, in case of Trackmen/Track Maintainers, revision of the rates of Running Allowance and other allowances related to Running Staff, Restructuring of the IT Cadre, etc. etc. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere and Hon’ble MR had appreciated the sentiments of the Railwaymen organized under AIRF.
This is for your information.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
Pending burning issues of the Railwaymen

The undernoted burning issues have been time and again brought to your kind notice for early redressal thereof because non-redressal of these issue is causing serious deep sense of discontentment among the Railway Staff……

1.Implementation of four grade structure in the ratio of 10:20:20:50 in case of Trackmen/Track Maintainers - As you are very well aware that, the Joint Committee on Package and Career Progression of Trackmen had, unanimously recommended to grant four grade structure to the category of Trackmen/Track Maintainers in the ratio of 10:20:20:50 with a view to facilitate advancement prospects to this ever neglected category of the staff who are directly involved in safe train operation by maintaining railway track. Despite assurance given by the Railway Board, during the course of discussions in Railway Board PNM with AIRF, that, orders would be issued within a couple of days to implement the said four grade structure, final outcome is still awaited, due to which serious resentment is brewing among the Trackmen/Track Maintainers.

2.Revision of the rates of Running Allowance and other allowances related to Running Staff - This issue has also been deliberated at length at several occasions, but unfortunately, Railway Board’s instructions to this effect are yet to be issued. The Running Staff, both Loco & Traffic, are seriously concerned due to inordinate delay in revision of the rates of Running Allowance and other allowances related to Running Staff because on previous occasions the revision used to be done just after implementation of recommendations of the successive Central Pay Commissions.

I would, therefore, seek your personal intervene, so that, revision of the rates of the aforesaid allowances is done without any further delay.

3.Restructuring of the IT Cadre - Information Technology has gained paramount importance in all walks of the life. While IT Cadre was formed in the Indian Railways more than a decade ago, but there is still some confusion in regard to dysfunction and Human Resource Management. Railway Board had issued instructions for Cadre Restructuring of IT Cadre (Ref.No.2016/AC-II(CC)/37/9 dated 18.04.2017(RBA No.45/2017), No.2017/AC-II(CC)/37/7 dated 29.06.2017 and No.2017/AC-II/37/9 dated 29.12.2017), but unfortunately, an impracticable condition was imposed to surrender all the vacant posts in the cadre, whereas, in Cadre Restructuring of other categories, only number of posts of Matching Money Value were surrendered and not the entire vacant posts. We have been regularly pursuing this issue, and the present Financial Commissioner, Railway Board, also assured to take necessary action in the matter, but final outcome is still awaited.

I would, therefore, request that, this issue should also be looked into on priority and revised orders issued early.

I sincerely hope that, the above issues would definitely be given due attention and necessary instructions shall be issued without any further delay, keeping in view the discontentment brewing among these vulnerable categories of the Railwaymen.

Source: AIRF

AIRF: Productivity Linked Bonus for the financial year 2016-17 to Railwaymen

AIRF: Productivity Linked Bonus for the financial year 2016-17 to Railwaymen

No.AIRF/387

Dated: September 7, 2017

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Productivity Linked Bonus for the financial year 2016-17 to Railwaymen

Ref.: Meeting with the AM(Staff), Railway Board held on 04.08.2017

Please refer to our discussion held in the chamber of AM(Staff), Railway Board, on the above subject matter on 4th August, 2017. All India Railwaymen's Federation(AIRF) has already explained in detail its viewpoint in respect of calculation formula for payment of PLB to Railwaymen.

You may recall that, PLB has been an outcome of the bilateral agreement between Ministry of Railways and Staff Side Federations, which was arrived at on 22.11.1979. The formula for calculation of PLB, that was formulated as a result of above-mentioned agreement, is sacrosanct, on the basis of which payment of PLB is being made to entitled railway employees every year till last financial year.

AIRF is totally against any deviation in the well settled formula devised to calculate PLB payable to railway employees under the said agreement.

It is, therefore, urged that, payment of PLB for financial year 2016-17 should be made on the basis of established formula as mentioned above and there should not be any effort to make any amendment in the same as also number of days, calculated last year for payment of PLB, should not be reduced, else this will lead to unwarranted impairment in industrial peace.

Source : AIRF

AIRF: Performance on negotiation with 7th Pay Commission, efforts for getting Gratuity for NPS covered Employees

Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra/General Secretary/AIRF Message to its cadres explaining AIRF 
Performance on negotiation with 7th Pay Commission, efforts for getting Gratuity for NPS covered Employees

AIRF General Secretary briefs about AIRF achievements.
Shiva Gopal Mishra
(General Secretary)

A.I.R.F
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
(Estd, 1924)
4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi-110055

Message

All of you are well aware that, All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) is the most reputed and oldest federation of the Railwaymen in India; which started its journey in the year 1924.

Prior to AIRF having been formed in 1924; there were a number of Railway Unions existing on different clusters of the Railways under the British Rule. It was realized by the entities that, despite their best efforts they were struggling to safeguard and protect the rights of the Indian Railwaymen from discrimination and exploitation. The British Rulers were highly discriminating the Indian Workers and their policies were highly loaded in favour of the Anglo-Indian Workers. Thus, ignorance of the safety, security, disparity in wages, medical facilities and uncongenial working conditions to our fellow brothers working in different British Railway clusters, compelled them to create a largest and strongest platform to fight against these atrocities and to protect their interests and induce self-respect at the working place. Collective decision and concerted efforts paved the way for formation of prestigious, strong, massive and meticulous organization to work for the well being of the Railwaymen 24x7x65.
All India Railwaymen’s Federation has a history and saga of sacrifices of its workers while fighting 1960, 1968 and 1974 strikes.

Friends! You are also aware that, recently the 92nd Annual Conference of AIRF was held at Allahabad from 8-10 November, 2016, wherein a number of issues related to staff grievances and demands of the Railwaymen were deliberated and discussed and future line of action was drawn.

It may also be appreciated that, although there are number of organizations at the All India level, it is AIRF that stood tall for the Railwaymen’s demands against the anti-workers policies of the government and forced the Government of India to constitute the 7th CPC.

Dear Friends! Though 7th CPC’s recommendations have since been announced and implemented also, but I am personally aggrieved and pained that, the Pay Commission and the Government ignored many genuine demands of the Railway employees. One of our main demands was restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for the employees who joined on or after 01.01.2004 and the other was Minimum Wage as Rs. 26,000 to the staff at the lowest level. In the recommendations of the 7th CPC both the demands were ignored. Apart from this, many other demands were also either partly or fully ignored in the recommendations of the 7th CPC. I have personally taken note of the demands/issues and not only lodged our strong protest to the government, but pursued them to form the committees to review these demands. In this context we also met a Group of Union Ministers and apprised them of the gravity and genuineness of our demands and got assurance from them that these would be duly taken care of. We have also held meetings with the Cabinet Secretary, Secretary(DoP&T), Secretary(Exp.) etc. of the Government of India, to extract maximum benefits for all of you, but up till now nothing fruitful has emerged.

On this occasion I would like to congratulate all of you that, despite all odds, the long pending demands of enhancing the limit of monthly wages for payment of PLB from Rs.3500 to Rs.7000 was acceded to with the consistent efforts of AIRF w.e.f 01.04.2014, and the payment of PLB along with arrears of 2014-15 has since been made to all the fellow Railwaymen. You may also appreciate that, the orders for payment of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity for all the NPS contributors has as well issued by the DoP&T on regular persuasions by us.

Further to this, one of our major demands for Merger of Technician Gr. II to Gr.I has also been acceded to by the Ministry of Railway in another way by upgrading substantial number of posts to the grade of Sr. Technician and Highly Skilled Technician Gr. I. It is also a landmark achievement, but still a number of grievances and demands are yet to be resolved, as such, the 92nd Annual Conference of AIRF unanimously decided to hold “All Indian Protest Day” on 14th December, 2016 throughout the Indian Railways.

Friends! At this stage I would also like to mention that, during the last sort span of period I was not keeping good health and remained hospitalized also for recovery from the ailment. As of now I am feeling perfectly well and energetic and assure you that I am for the AIRF and the cadre only. My life is for my fellow Railwaymen; with their good wishes I am with them.

As the year 2017 is approaching, I want to take this as opportunity to extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you and your families. You all are essential part to the success of our great federation, I would like to thank you all personally for showing immense faith and confidence.

I further like to appeal all of you to work hard for the betterment of the Railways. So long, the organization is strong, we are also strong. Thus, it is our prime duty to take proper care of duties and responsibilities towards our organization, society and to the nation.

I am sure that, all of you will give priority to organize the Youth and Women because without them AIRF cannot be strong. We should also keep in our mind Mission Future. I personally assure you that, you will always find me with you in your hour of need.

Please accept my best wishes for the New Year. I am sure that, you will work with great gusto and motivation to take-up the future challenges.

With fraternal greetings!
Comradely yours,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source : AIRF

Railway Bonus : Centre May Announce 78 Day Wages As Bonus

Good News For Railwaymen: Centre May Announce 78 Day Wages As Bonus
Ahead of the festive season, railway employees are likely to get 78 day wages as bonus this year, the same as in the last four years despite the financial crunch.

We have demanded 78 day wages as productivity linked bonus (PLB) for railway employee this year and expecting the government to declare the same next week,"National Federation of Indian Railwaymen General Secretary M Raghavaiah told Press Trust of India.

Productivity linked bonus is paid to about 12 lakh railway employees each year before the Dussehra festival.
Mr Raghavaiah said the 78 day wage is expected to be around Rs. 18,000 per employee. In 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 also, 78 day wages were also given as PLB to railway employees.
Facing a shortfall of about Rs. 10,000 crore in the earnings due to slowdown in loadings and drop of passengers in short train journey, the railways will get the cabinet approval for the 78 day bonus proposal next week.

The bonus decision is expected to cost the railways about Rs. 2000 crore.

All-India Railwaymen’s Federation General Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra said the bonus is expected to motivate the employees to improve the financial position of the public transporter.

Mr Mishra said, "Since the PLB ceiling has been revised to Rs. 7000 from Rs. 3500, we expect each employee will get double the amount as against the last year’s bonus."

Last year, the minimum bonus paid was Rs. 8,975 per employee.

PLB covers all non gazetted railway employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel) spread over the entire country.

Source : NDTV

Productivity-Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2015-16

Productivity-Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2015-16

No.AIRF/387 Dated: August 3, 2016

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi Kind Attn: Shri Dhruv Singh, EDPC-I, Railway Board

Dear Sir,

Sub: Productivity-Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2015-16

In reference to our discussion with the Additional Member (Staff), Railway Board, on 2nd August, 2016, we have explained threadbare about the modalities and norms fixed for the Productivity-Linked Bonus to railwaymen for the year 2015-16.

It is a well-known fact that, the formula envisaged for calculation of number of days for PLB in November 1979 has been sacrosanct and the federations had never agreed for any alteration in that formula.

Railway Board is quite aware that the railwaymen are putting their best efforts for running Indian Railways System smoothly and efficiently 365X24X7 days even by laying their precious lives, therefore, any alteration with PLB Formula, which reduces the number of days, will demotivate them and will be proved counter-productive to the interests of the Indian Railways. Though the number of railwaymen is being reduced, they are carrying more number of passenger and freight trains, therefore, it is quite evident that, productivity of the railwaymen has increased to a great extent.

AIRF has already explained that, any reduction in the number of days of PLB in comparison to last year will never be tolerated, and that can lead to further agitations.

Here it is pertinent to mention that, every time when the government changed, ceiling of the PLB also changed in the Railways. Last time (in 2009-10) when PLB ceiling was changed from Rs.2500 to 3500 p.m., railwaymen were paid PLB along with the arrear. Similarly, we expect that, this time also, since PLB ceiling has been enhanced from Rs.3500 to Rs.7000 p.m., railwaymen will be paid PLB @ Rs.7000 p.m. along with arrear.

Yours faithfully

sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source : AIRF

Major retrograde recommendations of the 7th CPC to be settled before implementation – AIRF

Major retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC to be settled before implementation

AIRF has raised the issue of retrograde recommendations, made by 7th Pay Commission in its report submitted to Government last month, with Secretary Railway Board. Railwaymen are anguished and agitated over the retrograde recommendations of 7th Pay Commission. AIRF has raised following objections:-

All India Railwaymen’s Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055

No.AIRF/405(VII CPC)

Dated: December 15, 2015

The Secretary(E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Major retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC to be settled before implementation

1. Minimum Wage and Allowances, common to all Central Government Employees, based on the justification detailed by the NC/JCM(Staff Side), and conveyed by the letter of the NJCA(copy enclosed), addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, should be considered. (para 4.2.5 to 4.2.13, pg. 61-64 of VII CPC Report).

2. Fitment Factor(Formula), for allotment of pay scales, to be improved for all categories of Railwaymen, based on Minimum Wage, finally drawn in consultation with the NC/JCM(Staff Side), be considered.

3. Indian Railways is an unique, multi-disciplinary and complex Transport Industry. Simple replacement in Pay Matrix (Band Pay +Grade Pay of the specific employee) without extending any weightage and due justice to their job contents, skillness, mental and physical stress and strain, introduction of advanced technology, dealing with most advanced state-of-art technology in various disciplines, working conditions, risk and hazard involved, have not been given any due consideration by the 7th CPC, and many issues have been left with the administrative ministry to decide. A Joint Committee of the Railway Board and both the Federations be formed to re-examine the memorandum submitted by the AIRF to the 7th CPC, detailing out problems/ grievances etc. of each category of Railwaymen, which need to be addressed and allotment of proper pay scales and other benefits be granted with a time-bound programme. Failing to a negotiated settlement in respect of any category, the matter should be referred to the Board of Arbitration under the JCM Scheme for Arbitration.

4. There is serious discontentment among the apex grade supervisors, for not granting them Group `B’ Gazetted status, and the Technicians, because of non-merger of Technician II & I in GP Rs.2400 and 2800 and allotment of pay scale recommended for GP Rs.2800. (para 11.40.115, pg. 749 on Technical Supervisors & para 11.40.132, page 752 on Technicians of VII CPC Report).

5. In the report of the VII CPC, there are abrasions in respect of designation and grade pay of certain categories of staff. Those should be corrected to as exist presently. (e.g. para 11.40.62, pg. 740 of VII CPC Report).

6. The 7th CPC has changed promotional channel and inserted D.R. Quota in certain cases. The existing recruitment policy and channel of promotion should continue, or in case change is warranted for, be bilaterally discussed and settled before being implemented. (para 11.40.51, pg. 738 and para 11.40.69 & 11.40.70, pg. 742 of VII CPC Report).

7. All the allowances, presently admissible to different categories of staff, should continue duly enhancing their rates as mentioned below:-
(a) Fixed amount, but not D.A. Index, to be raised by 2.25(multiplication factor).
(b) Fixed amount, but partially indexed D.A. should be raised by 1.5.

8. Recommendation for reduction in percentage of certain allowances should not be implemented, being bilateral package settlement and existing percentage be continued. (para 8.7.15 – HRA, pg 269 and para 

8.17.101 & 8.17.102, pg 351-352 of VII CPC Report).

9. All the advances, now admissible, should be continued, and enhance the rates of all the advances by a multiplication factor of 2.25. (para 9.1.4, page 360-361 and para 9.1.7, pg 362 of VII CPC Report).

10. The Pay Commission has changed the procedure for granting MACP and imposed stringent condition. 

The existing norms for granting MACP should continue. (para 17.7(i, ii & iii), pg.865 of VII CPC Report).

11. Recommendation of the 7th CPC to stop annual increment permanently in the name of efficiency bar should not be implemented, and annual increments should continue. (para 17.7 (iv), pg 866 of VII CPC Report).

12. Railways should be exempted from the ambit of the National Pension Scheme(NPS) and the Old Guaranteed Pension/Family Pension be restored to all Railwaymen, irrespective of their date of appointment in the Railways.

13. Bilateral agreement arrived at on Productivity-Linked Bonus should continue and improved with the amendment of eligibility limit from Rs.3500 to Rs.7000 as per Bonus Act. (para 15.28 & 15.29, pg 861 of VII CPC Report).

14. In respect of Running Staff Pay, Rest Rule etc., a separate memorandum will follow. (para 8.11.19 & 8.11.20, pg 310-311).

15. The 7th CPC at para 9.2.33 has analyzed the provision of Special Casual Leave(SCL), which is granted to cover absence from duty of an employee and recommended to review the purposes, as also to limit the purposes as well as total number of days that an employee can be granted SCL in a year. This recommendation being retrograde needs not be implemented. (pg 368 of VII CPC Report).

16. The 7th CPC at para 9.2.9, while analyzing the provision of Child Care Leave(CCL) for women employees, has made retrograde recommendation to reduce the salary to 80% for the second spell of 365 days CCL instead of recommending some improvement in the same. This should not be implemented. (pg. 364 of VII CPC Report).

17. Financial benefit on promotion, that is available in the 6th CPC terms, no corresponding benefit has been recommended by the VII CPC. This needs to be addressed.

In addition to the above, we may submit some more retrograde recommendations of the VII CPC in due course.

Source: AIRF

All India Demands Day on 13.10.2015 – AIRF

Observance of “All India Demands Day” – 13th October, 2015

This 91st Annual Convention of All India Railwaymen’s Federation, held at Jodhpur(NWR) from 3-5 October, 2015, after reviewing all the situations, has decided to intensify the struggle of the AIRF, and as a first step, to observe 13th October, 2015 as “All India Demands Day” through processions/dharnas, mass rallies, mass meetings demonstrations, etc. all over Indian Railways to put pressure on the government on the following legitimate long pending demands of the Railwaymen

All India Railwaymen’s Federation
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi – 110055

No.AIRF/03

Dated: October 4, 2015

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Observance of “All India Demands Day” – 13th October, 2015

This 91st Annual Convention of All India Railwaymen’s Federation, held at Jodhpur(NWR) from 3-5 October, 2015, after reviewing all the situations, has decided to intensify the struggle of the AIRF, and as a first step, to observe 13th October, 2015 as “All India Demands Day” through processions/dharnas, mass rallies, mass meetings demonstrations, etc. all over Indian Railways to put pressure on the government on the following legitimate long pending demands of the Railwaymen:-

(i) Publish the report of the VII CPC without any further delay.

(ii) Remove ceiling of Rs.3500 p.m. and pay enhanced PLB to the Railwaymen well before Durga Pooja.

(iii) Inclusion of All Railway employees in pension and family pension schemes irrespective of their date of appointment

(iv) Scrap proposal of inducting FDI/PPP in the Railways.

(v) Scrap report of the High Level Railway Restructuring Committee, constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Bibek Deb Roy.

(vi) Resolve all the outstanding demands of the Railwaymen.

Reports of observance of “All India Demands Day” day should be sent to AIRF Office on the same day through email.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: AIRF

New Delhi,: Now, Railway employees too have raised the demand for One Rank One Pension, saying that they should not be ignored as like the defence personnel they also have dedicated their services to the nation.

OROP: Railway employees also demand One Rank One Pension

New Delhi,: Now, Railway employees too have raised the demand for One Rank One Pension, saying that they should not be ignored as like the defence personnel they also have dedicated their services to the nation.

The issue of OROP for railway employees was discussed in the Seventh Pay Commission and we will raise the issue again, Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of All-India Railwaymen’s Federation told PTI.

Currently there are 13.26 lakh employees working in the Railways.

“Railwaymen are performing dedicated service for the nation. Railway is the lifeline of the country. Employees are working round the clock across the country,” Mishra said.

He, however, said servicemen in defence forces should get OROP but the same principle should also be applicable to Railways.

“Our brothers in defence should get it as soon as possible. But at the same time we should also not be ignored,” AIRF leader said.

Expressing disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Red Fort speech, Mishra said “PM should have offered something concrete on the OROP issue. Though there were expectations for an announcement on the issue, nothing happened.”

PM, in his Independence day speech, said in-principle the government has accepted the demand for OROP but it is a long pending issues, and discussions are underway and in the last stages.

Taking on lawmakers, he said, “MPs are increasing their salaries whenever they want to increase. They even get full pension irrespective of their term or attendance.

PTI

119% DA from July 2015 – NFIR Report

119% DA from July 2015 – NFIR Report

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen published a message on its official portal regarding an additional Dearness Allowance effective from July 2015 to Dec 2015 for Central Government Employees.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi – 110 055

No.I/5(A)/Part.I

Dated: 01/08/2015

MESSAGE

With the announcement of All India Consumer Price Index for the month of June, 2015, the average stood at 254.41. Hence the Central Government Employees are entitled for D.A. at 119% of pay w.e.f.01/07/2015.

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

Copy to all General Secretaries of affiliated Unions of NFIR.
Media Center/NFIR

Bibek Debroy committee report created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers – AIRF

Bibek Debroy committee report created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers – AIRF

“Bibek Debroy panel has already submitted it’s report to Chairman Railway Board on 12.06.2015. This report has already created panic amongst Railwaymen and passengers. AIRF has already taken decision to oppose this report and decided to observe protest week staring on 23rd of June and ending with Black day on 30.06.2015.

AIRF to observe Black Day on 30th of June, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi-12th June 2015

Dr. Bibek Debroy Committee Report is a clear roadmap for privatization of Indian Railways. This was stated here by Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).

Shri Mishra further stated that the suggestions given by the Committee will endanger the Railway Safety and It will also increase financial burden on Indian Railways. The Report is quite unworkable and will be against 95 percent of Rail users of this country, who travels in general & sleeper classes.

Shri Mishra further hoped that keeping in mind its wider ramifications particularly on the comman man , government may not implement it.

Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra further mentioned that AIRF has decided to organize 23rd June to 30th June , 2015 as campaign week. AIRF has also given Clarion call to organize Black Day on 30th June 2015 throughout Indian Railway by wearing black badge and organizing Mass Meetings in the Ist phase of its agitation. In 2nd phase Rail users will also be involved and the movement will be made “Jan Andolan”.

Source: AIRF

Feedback of the AIRF’s Leadership meeting with Minister for Railways Sh. Suresh Prabhu

Feedback of the AIRF’s Leadership meeting with Minister for Railways Sh. Suresh Prabhu

A.I.R.F
All India Railwaymen’s Federation

No.AIRF/24(C)

Dated: January 24, 2015

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Brief of the meeting held with Hon’ble Minister for Railways

Yesterday I met Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, and had discussion on various issues, right from 14:00 to 14:45 hrs.

Once again I tried my level best that the FDI should not be brought in the Railways.

I also expressed my fear that, by taking lot of money, there will be over-capitalization, and since we do not have commercial viable projects, it will be difficult to pay back the liabilities to the investors. Though Hon’ble MR has assured that there will not be any privatization in the Railways, he was still of the view that, for expansion of the railway network, money is required. He also told that, he is trying to take interest-free re-payable loan for 35-40 years from the countries, like Australia, China, Japan, Canada or the World Bank.
I handed him over a copy of representation, containing suggestions for Rail Budget 2015-16, not to introduce FDI in the Indian Railways, implementation of various Welfare Schemes announced by the then Hon’ble Minister for Railways, viz. establishing of Medical Colleges and opening of Nursing Colleges and Central Schools and Technical Institutions, “Own Your House Scheme” and provision of Mobile Medical Van for treatment of Railway Staff and their families posted on roadside station, extension of scope of the LARSGESS, improvement in the condition of Railway Colonies, Roads and Running/Rest Rooms, improvement in medical facilities, filling up of Safety Category Posts, extension of facilities of Privilege/Complimentary Passes to both the parents of the Railwaymen,replacement of National Pension Scheme(NPS) with “Old Guaranteed Pension Scheme, absorption of quasi-administrative staff in the Railways, provision of proper infrastructure and manpower while introducing new trains, implementation of recommendations of High Power Committee, appointed by the Ministry of Railways, under the chairmanship of Shri D.P. Tripathi, to review duty hours of the Running and other Safety related categories of staff and also provision of proper Pathway for the Trackmen for performing their duties efficiently and safely.

I also handed him over a copy of our suggestions to increase productivity of the Indian Railways as also copies of our letters handed over to High Level Railway Restructuring Committee, constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Bibek Debroy and High Level Committee, constituted to identify the factors, issues and avenues for improving financial health of the Indian Railways, under the chairmanship of Shri D.K. Mittal.

Chairman, Railway Board was also present during course of meeting, and the Hon’ble MR told him that, the important issues raised by the Federation(AIRF) for inclusion in Rail Budget 2015-16 should be kept in view, particularly provision of proper budget for maintenance of Railway Colonies.

He also promised for better and proper communication with the organized labour in all the times to come, and also instructed the CRB to ask the MS to regularly have meetings with the federations in the committee.

Yours faithfully.
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source Order: Feedback AIRF

AIRF is greatly disappointed with Rail Budget 2014-15

 AIRF is greatly disappointed with Rail Budget 2014-15

ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN'S FEDERATION
4,State Entry Raod, New Delhi - 1100055

RAIL BUDGET DISAPPOINTS THE RAILWAYMEN

New Delhi: 8th July. 2014 — Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), has described Rail Budget 2014-15 as “Disappointing”.

This budget has not given any relief to 13 lakh Railway employees, working 24 hrs., 365 days in all weathers, facing arduous conditions, even sacrificing their lives.

The said budget has also given lot of indications of privatization, bringing in FDI and PPP in the Railways, which would be detrimental for the Interest of all the stakeholders, including the rail users.

In this budget, announcement has also been made about the introduction of new trains, but without developing infrastructure and adding manpower, which would endanger Railway Safety.

The budget talks less about the Common Rail User, but much about the Affluent Class, who can afford AC Class travelling.

Shri Mishra has made it amply clear that would not tolerate any  form of privatization in the Railways.

sd/-
(R.K.Mishra)
For General Secretary / AIRF

Source: AIRF

Decision on Railwaymen's Indefinite Strike on February 17

Decision on railwaymen’s indefinite strike on February 17

The crucial decision will be taken at a meet in Kota, Rajasthan

The national trade unions of railwaymen will decide on February 17 whether or not to go ahead with the proposed indefinite general strike to press for implementation of various long-standing demands.

Though railwaymen across the country had overwhelmingly voted in favour of a direct agitation during the ‘strike ballot’ held nationwide last month, the crucial decision on launching a general strike that could cripple railway operations is due to be taken at the meeting scheduled at Kota, Rajasthan, said N. Kanniah, general secretary of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU), which is affiliated to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).

The AIRF and the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen are the two parent trade unions representing an estimated 1.3 million railwaymen. The charter of demands include scrapping of the new pension scheme, filling up of vacancies, better working conditions for loco running staff and constitution of the Seventh Pay Commission.

Though the Railway Board had offered to negotiate on Railway-specific demands at meetings held over January 16 and 17 in Delhi, the AIRF leadership has taken the view that some of the key demands such as merger of DA with basic pay and guaranteed pension scheme in place of new pension scheme, could only be resolved by Government of India, Mr. Kanniah said. The union leadership feels that the Railway Ministry needs to facilitate negotiations with the Centre in order to avert the strike, he said.

It may be recalled that during the strike ballot, over 96 per cent of railwaymen in the country voted in favour of an indefinite general strike.

In the six divisions across Southern Railway, 86.8 per cent of railwaymen endorsed the strike plan.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com
[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/decision-on-railwaymens-indefinite-strike-on-february-17/article5610493.ece]