Important points requiring priority attention for redressal

(i) PNM and formal meetings are not being held regularly at Railway Board’s level resulting several issues continued unresolved. Appropriate action may be taken for conducting
meetings regularly. Special priority be given to resolve pending PNM items.
(ii) In most of the cases, the replies to Federation’s letters are not sent. Machinery needs to be tightened for ensuring prompt replies to Federation’s letters.
(iii) Agreements reached through formal negotiations are not being honoured resulting serious resentment among staff. A few are cited below as example:-

(a) Replacement GP 4600/- with GP 4800/- (for SSEs, Inspectors/Supervisors etc).
(b) Stepping up of pay of Loco inspectors inducted prior to 01/01/2006.
(c) NFIR’s PNM agreement for stepping up of pay of senior-most SSOs (Accounts) w.e.f.0110112006 to GP 5400/-.
(d) Implementation of ratio l0 :20 :20 : 50 for Track Maintainers in 6th CPC GP 2800/-, 2400/-,1900/- & 1800/- respectively -NFIR’s PNM agreement not implemented.
(e) Manning of coaches by Ticket Checking Staff – restoration of Board’s orders of 2000 (NFIR’s PNM agreement) not implemented yet.
(f) Placement of Loco Pilot Mail/Express in GP 4600/-.
(g) Railway Board’s norms for creation of posts of Helpers, ESMs, SSEs/JEs (Signal) not implemented. PNM agreement on item No. 14/2010 not implemented.

(iv) Running Staff Allowances issues not yet resolved. Federation’s proposal for revision of Kilometrage rates need to be accepted duly retaining pay element of 55 & 30% for retirement and other purposes.

(v) Merger of Technicians Grade-II with Grade-I:- While reaching an agreement on 22nd July 2016 on revision of percentages of Technicians, the Railway Board had assured to process the merger proposal with Ministry of Finance for obtaining clearance. Though 1% years has passed, their been no finality. This may kindly be expedited.

(vi) Upgradation of Apex level Group ‘C’ posts to Group ‘B’ Gazetted(3335 posts):- Although agreed for upgrading the posts, no orders have been issued even after a lapse officious years. This needs to be expedited on top priority.

(vii) Vacancies continued to remain unfilled, leading additional burden on staff. Action be taken to fill all vacancies at the earliest.

(viii) Outsourcing of activities, closure of establishments etc., is being resorted to indiscriminately, without consultations and without realizing the adverse effects on efficiency. These are required to be reviewed.

(ix) Revision of designations:- NFIR’s proposals not yet considered.

(x) Graduate Engineers are extremely agitated over “ZERO” career growth – NFIR’s PNM agenda as well letters may be connected for taking action for career growth of engineers.

(xi) MACPS issues discussed in the PNM meetings are yet to be resolved. Assurance was given for holding meeting at the level of MS &FC, but unfortunately there has been no progress.

NFIR also insisted that ‘Very Good’ bench marking needs to be scrapped in Railways and this subject was discussed with CRB on 05/01/2018, on subsequently, CRB has assured to solve this problem.

(xii) Continuation of LARGENESS:- Expeditious action may kindly be taken for continuance of LARGENESS in the light of Supreme Court’s Order giving free hand to Railway Ministry to re-visit the Scheme and take conscious decision. It needs to be appreciated that the Scheme has been introduced in public interest as well the personal safety of staff working in the safety categories, therefore it should be continued and Board’s letter dated 27/10/2017 may also be withdrawn.

(xiii) Inter Railway request transfer applications:- In the case of ex-servicemen re-employed in Railways, the 5 years minimum service condition needs to be relaxed as demanded by federation vide its PNM agenda item. This subject was also discussed by the Federation with CRB on 05/01/2018, consequently, the CRB has agreed to relax, but however, instructions have not been issued.

(xiv) Induction of Act Apprentices in GP 1800/- in the Safety category posts in exigency:- GMs be empowered to take decision.

(xv) Regularization of Quasi Administrative Staff in the Railways – Discussed in the full board meeting held on 07/02/2014. However decision to restore the policy of 1973/1977 has not yet been taken NFIR’s detailed note on the subject may kindly be considered and approval accorded for absorption of Quasi-staff.

NFIR urges positive action for satisfactory redressal of issues listed above.

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

Source: NFIR

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Brief of the Full Board Meeting held on 22.07.2016 with the federations on Strike Charter of Demands -AIRF

– Granting of Group `B’ status to all the staff in GP Rs.4600 or allotment of GP Rs.4800 to certain percentage of posts now in GP Rs.4600.

– Upgrading of LP/M&E to GP Rs.4600.

– Review of SPAD (without causing accident). All the Zonal Railway affiliates of the AIRF have been asked to send the number of SPAD cases, where punishment of Removal from Service/Compulsory Retirement has been inflicted.

– Granting of Special Allowance of Rs.2700 p.m. to all Track Maintainers.

– Granting of Special Allowance of Rs.5000 p.m. to all Controllers.

– Starting pay of ASM to Rs.4200 with change of designation to SM with 60% in GP Rs.4200 and 40% in GP Rs.4600.

– Higher grade posts to Radiographers and Lab. Technicians of Medical Deptt.

– Dental Hygienist to be upgraded to GP Rs.4200.

– Granting of GP Rs.4800 to Lab. Supdt. and GP Rs.4600 to CMA (Medical Deptt.)

– Starting pay of Physiotherapist at GP Rs.4200.

– Entry Grade Pay of Dresser to be raised from GP Rs.1900 to GP Rs.2000.

– Special Running Allowance of Rs.2250 pm for LP/M&E, Rs.1,125 pm. for LP/Passenger, Motorman and Guard/M&E, LP/Goods Rs.750 pm. DA on the same, including pensionery benefits.

– Stepping up of pay of seniors be allowed (as recommended).

– Employees in GP Rs.4800 to be upgraded to GP Rs.5400 on completion of 4 years of service.

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No. 2015/E(LR)II/1/8

The General Secretary,
AIRF,
4, State Entry Road,
New Delhi -110055.
The General Secretary,
NFIR,
3, Cheimsford Road,
New Delhi-110055.

Dear Sirs,

Summary Record Note of Discussions held by Board (CRB, MS, & FC ) with Federations (AIRF & NIFR) on 01.10.2015 on issues raised by federation.

The following officers and representatives of Federations attended the meeting:-

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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]

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Smt. Nandita Mohanty
Chairperson, Women Sub-Committee
AIPEU, Gr-C, Bhubaneswar Division

With the evolution of society and growth in social needs there is a sharp development in industrialization. It involves use of modern technology and employment of large number of workers. As large number of people are involved, it becomes necessary to safe guard the interest of the workers. They need to be organized to fulfil their demands in respect of salary, welfare and social security. There comes the concept of `Union’. So, union is the long-term association of workers to advance and protect the interest of members of the union in the working relationship. According to Flippo “A labor union or a trade union is an organization of workers formed to protect, promote and improve through collective action, the social, economic and political interest of its members.” Whenever any employee joins a union, he has some expectations in his mind.

He may join the union for the following reasons:-

Platform for self-expression:  At the primitive days of industrialization, lives of the workers were like slaves without any voice against the tyranny of the management. They used to live at the mercy of the management. They couldn’t raise their voice against un-hygienic working conditions, hard work, low wage, long and inconvenient hours of working etc. Self-expression and individuality were totally prohibited. But the desire for self-expression is a fundamental drive which can’t be ignored. By joining the union the employees get a platform for self-expression. The union provides the mechanism through which employees can make their voice heard by the top management. Union serves as the communicating device between the employees and the management. Sometimes due to low perspective and narrow-mindedness, some can’t understand the long-term views taken by the organization in the context of overall growth of the organization and employees. Anything which does not result in immediate reward becomes unattractive to them. This attitude results in the difference in views and conflict in union. One thing we should keep in mind that union is by the employees, for the employees and of the employees. So to be in union, one should go beyond oneself.

Check-bar on arbitrary action of the management: The employees join the union to fight against the arbitrary action of the management. It works like a brake to the monopoly of the management. Employees expect a just and fare dealing from the management on the basis of the prevailing rules and regulations. Union serves a checkmate when management goes beyond the prevailing rules and take action against the employees which is irrational, unlawful or discriminatory. Thus union safe- guards the interest of the employees.

Security : The employees join union because they think that at the time of need the union will stand by them. They can get the protection from hazards and economic insecurities at the time of illness, accidents, unemployment etc. For example, trade union ensures compensation to the injured workers under the Workman’s Compensation Act 1923, secures the retirement benefits under Gratuity Act 1972 and PF Act 1952, employees’ health, social security, payment of wage, bonus, insurance, maternity benefit etc. and other welfare measures by compelling the management to abide by these. With the union, employees feel safe and secure both mentally and physically.

Employee-employer relationship: The employee may not have easy access to the top management. But union is the proper machinery which maintains a sound communication between the employer and the employee. Employees feel attached to the organization by this. If the relation between the employer and employees is good then industrial disputes, conflicts, strikes and lock-outs can be avoided.

Sense of participation: Sense of participation is also a fundamental desire among the employees. They expect that their voice should be heard in making decisions in the organization. This is known as the Workman’s Participation. Being in the union, they can make their voice heard by the management in matters affecting them and can also influence to take a correct decision.

Sense of belongingness: When any employee joins an organization the sense of belongingness is developed inside him. He tries to feel that he is the integral part of the organization. For that he may join the union. Because his co-workers are with the union. He may have the feeling that if he will not join the union he will be odd man out and can’t get any assistance at the time of need. On the contrary, when he is in the union he feels that he is attached with the organization and experiences a feel-good factor. He begins to think that he has some importance in the organization and among the co-workers.

Background factor: Some who are born and brought up in the industrial area or in the organizational background where the society members and members of the family are attached with the union, join the union as a nature of practice. Here the past history works. As a result, they think it obvious and natural enough to join the union.

Though it is the mere truth that union is for the safe-guard of the employees, we can’t use it as the weapon against the management. If management strives for the long term benefit of the organization which may sound unreal on the today’s back ground, then union also has to think in that angle for the mutual benefit. We should aspire for the long term benefits because our next generation may get the fruit out of it. We have to make the union strong for the justify future.

Source : http://aipeup3bbsr.blogspot.in/
[http://aipeup3bbsr.blogspot.in/2014/08/why-do-we-join-union.html]

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Source: 90paisa.blogspot.in

[http://90paisa.blogspot.in/2014/05/unions-and-associations-are-seriously.html]

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In Rajya Sabha Minister mallikarjun Kharge submitted a statement on 13th March, 2013 regarding the all India strike by Central Trade Unions as follows…

“Government was aware of the two days all India Strike by different trade unions on February 20 and 21, 2013. A meeting was convened by Union Minister of Labour & Employment with the representatives of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) on 13th February, 2013 to discuss the charter of demands. The demands of CTUs were discussed at length.

It was clarified to the Union representatives that their demands would be looked into by the Government and they were requested to withdraw strike. The Hon’ble Prime Minister also made an appeal to CTUs to withdraw their country-wide General Strike. Subsequently, a group of Senior Ministers of the Cabinet held a meeting with the representatives of the major CTUs on 18th February, 2013.

The GoM assured the representatives of CTUs that Government is serious on the demands related to working class and taking all possible measures to redress them. They also appealed to the representatives of CTUs to reconsider their stand for going on strike.

Government has taken various measures to address the concerns raised by the trade unions. Particular attention is drawn to the huge amount of food subsidy incurred by the Government to ensure availability of food grains to the poor at very concessional rate through the Public Distribution System. The Government’s efforts to pass the Food Security Bill in the Parliament will further increase the availability of subsidized food grains to the larger segments of the population. Ministry of Labour & Employment has prepared a National Employment Policy to ensure that the growth process is inclusive and equitable.

The policy has been drafted with a view to mainstreaming employment into policy making for socio-economic development of the country. It will provide a proper framework towards achieving the goal of remunerative and decent employment for all women and men in the labour force. So far enforcement of labour laws in Central Sphere is concerned, there exists a well-defined and effective machinery. Similar arrangements are also available in the States. The Government has enacted Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The Government of India has also set up National Social Security Fund (NSSF) with a corpus of Rs.1000 crore. National Social Security Board (NSSB) has also been constituted which is advising the Government from time to time on Social Security Schemes.

Action is being taken to amend the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 wherein it is, inter-alia, proposed that in case where the contract labour perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly appointed by the principal employer, the wage rates, holidays, social security provisions of contract labour shall be the same as are available to the directly appointed workmen on the roll of principal employer. Further, a Bill is being brought before the Parliament to amend the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to provide a National Floor Level Minimum Wage”.

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As directed by the Prime Minister, senior Ministers in the Union Cabinet – Shri A.K. Antony, Defence Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister for Agriculture and Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour & Employment held a round of discussions with the representatives of the Central Trade Unions on the evening of 18th February to convey the serious intent of the Government to resolve the various issues raised in their charter of demands. The list of participants is at.

The representatives of the Central Trade Unions reiterated their demand for the Government to take concrete measures to contain price rise, to ensure employment generation, strict enforcement of labour laws, universal social security for unorganized and organized workers, stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State Public Sector Undertakings. Some of the issues raised by them also related to payment of minimum wages of Rs.10,000/-, abolition of contract labour, payment of equal wages and benefits to contract workers at par with regular workers, removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund, increasing the quantum of gratuity, assured pension for all, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Convention No.87 and 98.

The Ministers explained to the representatives of the Central Trade Unions the various measures taken by the Government to control price-rise and contain inflation in the country. Particular attention was drawn to the huge food subsidy incurred by the Government to ensure availability of food grains to the poor at very concessional rates through the Public Distribution System. The Government’s efforts to pass the Food Security Bill in the Parliament will further increase the availability of subsidized food grains to the larger segments of the population and the Government is prepared to meet the extra burden on this account. The Government’s commitment to help the poor is also evident from the large amount of subsidy for fertilizers and fuel to ensure their supply at reasonable rate to the people.

The Government is also keen to introduce amendments to the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970, Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and various other labour laws to improve the conditions of the workers and to give them substantial relief. A National Employment Policy is going to be announced shortly to encourage higher employment to women, to promote skill development and inclusive growth. Some of these proposals are going to be discussed in the meetings of the Union Cabinet shortly. The Government has already approved the National Manufacturing Policy in November, 2011 which envisages the creation of 100 million jobs in the country by 2022.

The Ministers pointed out the huge loss to the economy in case the strike is resorted to by the Central Trade Unions. Apart from substantial production loss, the strike is also likely to cause inconvenience to the general public and loss of wages to the workers. In view of this, the Ministers appealed to the Central Trade Union Leaders to call off the strike.

At the end of the meeting, the representatives of the Central Trade Unions informed that they are going to discuss the proposal of the Government in a meeting on 19th Feb., 2013 and take further decision on the proposed strike.

Source: PIB

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Detailed report of the last Trade Union Strike, which was held on 28.2.2012 was submitted in the Lok Sabha by the Minister Shri.Praful Patel…

The Major Central Trade Unions viz. Indian National Trade Union Congress, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, United Trade Union Centre and their affiliated unions observed countrywide general strike on 28th February 2012 to press the following 10 points charter of demands;-

(1) Concrete measures to contain price rise,
(2) Concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession/iVicentive package offered to the entrepreneurs,
(3) Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws,
(4) Universal social security cover for the unorganized sector workers,
(5) Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs,
(6) No contractorisation of work of permanent/perennial nature of job,
(7) Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs. 10,000/-
(8) Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund, increase the quantum of gratuity,
(9) Assured Pension for ail,
(10) Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO conventions No. 87 and 98.

All the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) in the field had intervened on the strike notices received by them pertaining to Central Sphere.

Some of the remedial measures taken/initiated by the Government are as under:
(i) The Government has taken various fiscal as welt as administrative measures to contain price rise as a result of which inflation is moderating;

(ii) So far as enforcement of labour laws in Central sphere is concerned, there exists a well defined and effective machinery consisting of Labour Enforcement Officers (Central), Assistant Labour Commissioners (Central), Regional Labour Commissioners (Central) and Deputy Chief Labour Commissioners (Central) under Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). Similarly, Employees State Insurance Corporation and Employees Provident Fund Organisation have their own enforcement machinery. Similar arrangements are also available in the States for enforcement of labour laws in the State sphere;

(iii) Keeping in view the recommendations of National Commission for Enterprises in Unorganised Sector and Parliamentary Standing Committee, the Government has enacted Unorganised Workers` Social Security Act, 2008. The Government has also set up National Social Security Fund with a corpus of Rs.1000 crore. National Social Security Board has also been constituted which is advising the Government from time to time on new Social Security Schemes.

(iv) To ensure universal coverage of employment under Minimum Wages Act, a proposal for amendment in the Act has already been mooted. Regarding fixation of statutory minimum wages at not less than Rs.10, 000, the matter was discussed in the 44th Indian Labour Conference held on 14th and 15th February, 2012 but no consensus could emerge.

(v) So far as removal of wage ceilings under Provident Fund Act is concerned, the matter was debated in the 44th Indian Labour Conference held on 14th and 15th February, 2012 and a broad based consensus emerged for raising wage ceiling from present level of Rs. 6500 to Rs. 10000 or Rs. 15000.

Some major Central Trade Unions viz., INTUC, BMS, CITU, HMS, AITUC and Federation of Bank Unions had given a call for general strike to press their demands.

The year wise details of their demands are given below:
The year wise details of the demands of the Trade Unions submitted to the Government

2010 – Major Central Trade Unions i.e. INTUC, CITU,  AITUC and HMS,  had given nation- wide strike call to be observed on 07.09.2010 for following demands to be considered by the Government :-
(i) To check price rise of essential commodities.
(ii) Concrete proactive measures to be taken for linkage of employment protection.
(iii) Strict enforcement labour laws.
(iv) Schemes under the un-organised Social Security Act, 2008 and
(v) Disinvestment of shares of Central Public Sector Enterprises.

2011 – United Forum of Bank Unions comprising 8 unions / association had given strike notice for resorting to nation-wide strike on 07.07.2011  to press their following demands:-
(i) Not to privatize Public Sector Banks,
(ii) Not to reduce Government’s  equity in Public sector Banks,
(iii) Not to avail World Bank Loan to capitalize Public Sector banks,
(iv) Not to proceed with merger of Banks including the Associate Banks with SBI,
(v) Not to issue license to Industrial house to start their own Banks,
(vi) Not to violate provisions of Bipartite Settlement on outsourcing,

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