By J Venugopal, Divisional Vice President, Trivandrum Division, Southern Railway, All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA)
An agitation that Indian railways have not faced ever since, is really happening now. The fight to attain the righteous rest hours, that even the courts have declared legal is literally happening. We are on a fighting path to make it real. This fight is different from other agitations. It is like a drug which is slowly spreading into the veins of the body. Soon it will reach everywhere in the country.
This fight is about the just demands to live like any other human beings.
- We are availing One full day or 30 hours along with the trip rest, which is our right
- 8 hrs duty is a worldwide rule. But for Loco Pilots of Indian Railways, it is still unlimited. We will not allow ourselves to be exploited any more. We will not do duty after 10 hrs at any cost.
- Night duty to be restricted to two at a stretch. Many committees appointed by Railway administration have said it. We will not work more than two continuous night duties.
- No more outstation detention beyond 48 hours.
It is in the rule.
It is in the constitution,
It is in the court verdict.
Yes, it is our right.
There is no going back.
There is no surrender.
There is no defeat.
The final victory will be ours.
Red salute to the fighters of AILRSA
J Venugopal
DVP/TVC
DIV. Vice President, TVC Div of S.R