Report received from Com. L. Mony, Working President, All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA)
Dear Comrades,
Report on Agitation against Crew Beat Extension and Victorious Outcome
I am thrilled to report that our united agitation against the crew beat extension has yielded a significant victory. Despite the reluctance of our Sr. Divisional Electrical Engineer to engage in discussions, our collective action and determination have led to a favourable outcome.
Background:
For over a week, our division, particularly the Ernakulam South (ERS) depot, has been witnessing agitations against the crew beat extension of goods towards Calicut Railway Station (CLT) and Trivandrum Central Station (TVC). We had apprehensions about the implications of this extension, including the potential implementation of triangular working and delays in promotions for Loco Pilot- Goods (LPGs) and Loco Pilot-Passengers (LPPs).
Agitation Timeline:
- May 16: One LPG and two Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) were given Learning Road (LR- means getting knowledge of the track between the stations) to CLT, but they reported sick and were put under sick leave.
- May 17: Another LPG was given LR to TVC, who also reported sick.
- May 18: AILRSA Branch President reported sick for an Erode train, causing difficulties for the administration.
- May 19: LR was given to another LPG and ALP (SRMU members), who accepted the assignment.
- May 20: Another set of crew members those who were given LR to CLT reported sick.
- We declared non-cooperation and LPGs those who are booked in Mail link reported sick massively including Branch Secretary. Some of them were given Medicine On Duty, some of them were sent to Railway Hospital, Trivandrum (RH/TVP).
- May 23: We intensified the agitation, with two LPGs and two LPM Divisional Secretary (DS) & Assistant DS (ADS) reporting sick for the 16302 and 16316 Express trains. The 16302 train was delayed by 9 minutes at ERN due to the lack of rest of clear crew.
- Even in this situation, SR. DEE or ADEE has not initiated any discussion with us despite message given to suspend the link and book crew on FIFO basis and also gave instructions to take action under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the agitated staff.
Intervention and Resolution:
- Chief Traction Loco Controller (CTLC) intervened and discussed the situation with Senior Divisional Operating Manager (Sr. DOM), warning of potential train movement disruptions.
- Sr. DOM and CTLC met with Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), who decided to halt LR issuance and engage in discussions with us.
- DRM personally called me to schedule a meeting at our convenience.
Outcome:
Our collective action and unity have resulted in the suspension of LR issuance, pending further discussions. We have called off our agitation, and we salute all running staff who participated in this struggle.
Conclusion:
This victory is a testament to the power of workers’ unity and our unwavering commitment to our rights. We will continue to fight against any attempts to undermine our interests and working conditions.
Long Live AILRSA!
Long Live Workers’ Unity!
DS /AILRSA /TVC