Report of Kamgar Ekta Committee correspondent
Signal and Telecommunications (S&T) workers of the Indian Railways play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of trains. Over the past several years, they have patiently presented several important demands to the railway administration.
Indian Railway S&T Maintainers Union (IRS&TMU) General Secretary Mr. Alok Chandra Prakash and National President Mr. Navin Kumar stated that they have once again submitted their memorandum of demands to the Railway Board this year (attached below), but to date, the Railway Administration has neither taken any action on these issues nor sent any response to the IRSTMU. They further stated that their union will send another letter, and if no action is taken, all Signal and Telecom workers will hold a tool-down agitation on 5 November from 12 pm to 2 pm. During the tool-down protest, workers will completely halt work during their scheduled breaks (approximately 2 to 3 hours).
Are the demands of these workers illegitimate?
Workers’ main demands are as follows:
Risk and Hardship Allowance: Even after 7 years since the committee was constituted on 11 February 2019, the risk and hardship allowance has not been implemented.
Violation of HOER Rules: The Hours of Employment and Period of Rest Rules (HOER) 2005 are not being followed. Workers are harassed by constant phone calls whenever the signal level drops. Sometimes, workers are called back just after finishing a long shift when they arrive home. Even the slightest delay results in workers being served a charge sheet or warning letter.
Stop Split Duty Rosters: Workers should be required to work regular 8-hour duty shifts in a 24-hour shift and split duty rosters should be stopped immediately.
Formation of Night Duty Failure Gang: A separate gang should be formed to deal with night time signal failures.
Change in Designation: ‘Technician Signal’ to be redesignated as ‘Signal Interlocking Manager’ and ‘Technician Telecom’ to be redesignated as ‘Telecommunication Manager’.
High-Speed Allowance: Like loco pilots, S&T staff should also be given high-speed Standard IV interlocking allowance.
In addition to these demands, there are many others that you can read about (see PDF below).
No one can claim that any of these demands are not legitimate. These demands should be accepted without debate, as they are essential for a dignified life.
To highlight these demands, they have patiently protested, including four “Black Days” (27 September 2016, 9 February 2019, 9 February 2022, and 14 March 2024) and then a “Demand Day” on 24 June 2026. However, the railway administration has ignored their demands.
Ignoring these demands endangers not only the safety of these workers but also the safety of rail passengers.
It is therefore important that everyone strongly supports these workers in their just demands.
Upload.S&T demands