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

The post Brief of the meeting held today with Hon’ble Minister for Railways on the burning issues of the Railwaymen appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

No.2014/E(LR)II/1/4

Subject: Grievances of Staff – MACP Anomalies.

Ref.: Board’s letter No. 2013/E(LR)II/1/17 dated 18.02.2014.

2. President and General Secretary of the Federations are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the above meeting

Yours faithfully,
(Naveen Kumar)
Dy. Director, E(LR)-I

 

List of issues to be discussed

Source: NFIR

[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B40Q65NF2_7Uc1dMM1RwVWxfVE0/view]

The post MACP Anomalies: Railway Board’s meeting with Federations appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

No.AIRF/31-D(G)

Dated: January 24, 2015

The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,

Dear Comrades,

Sub: Hands off our right to strike

We have already reported all of you about the pressure mounted on the ILO by the employers globally to withdraw the “Right to Strike”, which is embodied in the ILO Convention 87 as a part of established interpretation of the convention, without which ILO Convention will become meaningless.

Almost 90 countries throughout the world have adopted this convention, and now in the wake of globalization and liberalization, the employers unitedly creating all sorts of pressure on the ILO to withdraw the right to strike.

Comrades! If it happens, we will be loosing protection given to the workers in the ILO Convention 87, and thus the achievements made by the ILO, for the last four decades for collective action against the employers, will definitely be lost , and will be detrimental against the interest of the employees and working class.

The ITUC has, therefore, given a call to observe 18th February, 2015 as “Global Day of Action for Right to Strike” against the pressure of the employers for withdrawal of right to strike. The ITF has also given similar call during its 43rd Congress, held in Sofia in August 2014.

It would be in all appropriateness, if we could observe 18th February, 2015 as “Global Day of Action for Right to Strike” in an appropriate manner by creating awareness among the working class by organizing mass meetings, conventions etc. and sending the report immediately to this office for forwarding the same to the ITUC and ITF for pledging our solidarity against the onslaught on the working class. We should also try to mobilize our support by sending memorandum to Government of India to pledge their support against withdrawal of right to strike from the ILO Convention 87.

Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Copy to: General Secretary, ITUC – for information.
Copy to: General Secretary, ITUC(Asia Pacific) – for information.
Copy to: General Secretary, ITF – for information.
Copy to: General Secretary, HMS – for information.

Order: Right-to-Strike-AIRF

The post AIRF: Hands off our right to strike appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

No. 2014/E(LR)III/REF/AIRF/1

New Delhi, dated:16.12.2014

Sub.: Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Railways- reg.

Dear Sirs,
In the above context, Hon’ble Minister for Railways has desired to meet the President and General Secretary of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) and National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR) over lunch on December 18. 2014 at 13.00 hrs. in the Lunch Room adjacent to_conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.

3. Accordingly, President & General Secretary of AIRF and NFIR are requested to kindly make it convenient.to attend the meeting.

Yours faithfully

sd/-
(Ragini Yechury)
Exec.Director,Estt/IR

source-http://www.airfindia.com/Orders%202014/Meeting%20on%20FDI.pdf

The post Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Railways- reg appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

AIRF
ALL INDIA RAILWAYMEN’S FEDERATION
(Estd. 1924)

4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi-110055
INDIA

No.AIRF/354(JTA)

Dated: November 25, 2014

The General Secretaries, All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Corns.,

Sub: Observance of “National Protest Day” — 5th December, 2014

As you are aware that, in the “National Convention” of the Central Trade Unions, held on 15th September, 2014 in the Constitution Club, New Delhi, it was unanimously decided to observe “National Protest Day” on 5th December, 2014 by holding demonstrations, dharnas, rallies etc. across the country to mount pressure on the Government of India against anti-workers and anti-labout policies of the government, viz. skyrocketing price hike, unemployment, privatization/outsourcing, disinvestment in the PSUs, unlawful contractorisation, amendment in Labour Laws, FDI in the Railways, Defence and Insurance Sectors, National Pension Scheme(NPS), etc. etc.

Subsequently, the 90th Annual Convention of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, held in Hubli from 18¬20 November, 2015, had decided to fully support the decision of the aforementioned National Convention of the Central Trade Unions.

You are, therefore, advised to direct the rank and file to ensure proper implementation of above-cited decision of the 90th Annual Convention of the AIRF to observe “National Protest Day” on 5th December, 2014 by joining in mass in your respective state capitals to strengthen the solidarity among the working class.

Reports of your participation should be sent to this office at an earliest.

With warm greetings!

Comradely yours,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source- Airf

The post AIRF to observe December 05, 2014 as National Protest Day against anti working class policies of Government. appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

All India Railwaymen’s Federation

No.AIRF/387

Dated: August 23, 2014

Shri Sadananda Gowda,
Hon’ble Minister for Railways,
Rail Bhawan,
New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Sub: Revision of Ceiling for payment of Bonus in the Bonus Act 1965

The Payment of Bonus Act 1965 was amended in the year 2007. This Act was called as Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2007.

In Section 12 of the Principal Act(1965), payment of minimum bonus was revised from Rs.2500 to Rs.3500 w.e.f. 1st April, 2006 through Payment of Bonus(Amendment) Ordinance 2007(8 of 2007) and subsequently passed by the Parliament through Bill No.89/2007. The same was incorporated in the PLB Orders issued for payment of PLB for the year 2006-07 and 2007-08(RBE No.142/2008).

The Ministry of Railways was requested several times by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation for approaching the Government of India for amendment to Section 12 of the Bonus Act 1965 to remove the ceiling of Rs.3500, mentioned in the Section 12 of the Payment of Bonus(Amendment) Act, 2007. But so far Ministry of Railways has not approached the Government of India to amend the Act to pay real wages to the Railwaymen as PLB, which is causing lot of hardship to the Railway Workers due to high escalation of prices of all commodities after the enactment of the amendment to the Bonus Act 1965 in the year 2007.

You are, therefore, requested to consider the plea made by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation and approach the Ministry of Labour, Government of India to amend Section 12 of the Bonus Act, duly removing the ceiling, mentioned in Section 12 of the Payment of Bonus(Amendment ) Act, 2007 so as to enable the Railways to pay real wages as PLB.

As Pooja Festival is approaching fast and orders for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Railway employees are likely to be issued shortly, you are requested to approach Hon’ble Minister for Labour to propose an amendment to Section 12 of the Payment of Bonus(Amendment) Act, 2007 to remove the ceiling so as to enable the Railwaymen to get real wages as Bonus.

Yours faithfully,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source: http://www.airfindia.com/AIRF%202014/PLB%20Letter%20to%20MR.pdf

The post Revision of Ceiling for payment of Bonus in the Bonus Act 1965: AIRF writes to Hon’ble Minister for Railways appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

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

4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi.-110055

D.O.No. AIRF/60

Dated: July 14, 2014

Resp. Shri Sadananda Gowda Ji,
Sub: Rail Budget 2014-15

We are very much pained and constrained on the Rail Budget 2014-15, presented by you in the floor of the Lok Sabha.

I had given you a memorandum consisting of suggestions related to Rail Budget, but unfortunately none of them could get place in this Rail Budget, and by and large there is nothing motivational and inspiring for the Railwaymen in the said Rail Budget. This has happened after a long time.

Moreover, direction of the said Rail Budget is towards privatization, and the announcement of Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) in the Railways has created lot of resentment among the Railwaymen. All India Railwaymen’s Federation(AIRF) in its General Council Meeting, held at Chennai on 3-4 July, 2014, unanimously adopted a resolution to oppose all kinds of privatization in the Railways.

AIRF is a recognized federation and having a wider support among 13 lakh Railway employees. We always expect from the Railway Board that before making any announcement, which may change the face/ownership of the Railways, the matter must be discussed transparently with the Federation. But in the matter of FDI and PPP, no discussion has been made with the recognized federations.

If any decision detrimental to the interest of Railway Industry, Railwaymen in particular and the Rail users in general, takes place, we will have no other alternative, but to organize sustained struggle to save the Indian Railways.

In this Rail Budget, something also has been said about the Restructuring of the Railways. Earlier also there had been similar talks of Railway Restructuring through Rakesh Mohan and Prakash Tandan Committees and also under various modes.

We know that, the Planning Commission in the past also tried to privatize the Indian Railways but they could not do so because of pressure from the Railway workers as well as rail users.
I know that, as “Opposition”, at that time, the BJP had also opposed the idea of Privatization and FDI. There should not be any change in that stand on coming into power.

Since lot of demoralization and de-motivation are going down the line among the Railway employees, who are very sensitive and working round-the-clock to keep operative country’s lifeline. It would be appreciated, if a dialogue is organized with the recognized federations, representing 13 lakh Railway employees, at an earliest to clarify various issues, taking the Railways to a different direction.

I do hope, you will take this communication in a very justify perspective because the AIRF throughout the years, after 1974, has tried to maintain industrial peace and still stands for the same, but such announcements may create a breach of industrial peace.

Therefore, an early dialogue is requested.

With kind regards!
Yours Sincerely,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source : AIRF

The post AIRF secretary writes a letter to Railway Minister in protest against the Railway Budget appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

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

The post AIRF is greatly disappointed with Rail Budget 2014-15 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

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

4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi-110055
INDIA

No.AIRF/101(121)

 Dated: February 25, 2014

The Member Staff,
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub: Deployment of Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Medical Practitioners under Staff Benefit Fund Scheme — Age of retirement thereof

Ref: Railway Board’s letter No.E(W)2003/WE-1/3 dated 02.07.2003

Ayurvedic and Homeopathic Medical Practitioners of repute are engaged in the Railways under Staff Benefit Fund Scheme, and all the expenses incurred on this account are met from the relevant head of this fund.

These Medical Practitioners are, obviously, not regular employees of the Railways and are engaged on Honorarium basis, as such fixing their age of superannuation on par with regular railway employees, i.e. 60 years, is not logical as stipulated in Railway Board’s letter referred to above.

The Board are, therefore, requested to issue necessary amendments, fixing upper age limit for Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Practitioners engaged under Staff Benefit Fund Scheme 65 years, so that Railwaymen are able to enjoy benefit of getting treatment from the experienced medical practitioners of these fields.

Yours faithfully.

Sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary

Source:http://www.airfindia.com/AIRF%202014/Ayurvedic%20Doctors_03.03.2014.pdf

The post Deployment of Ayurvedic/Homeopathic Medical Practitioners under Staff Benefit Fund Scheme — Age of retirement thereof appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.