Letter by Com. L. Mony, Central Working President, All India Loco Running Staff Association
Loco pilots of Indian Railways are one of the worst affected categories of Indian Railways due to extremely high vacancies. They are forced to work for long hours continuously, sometimes exceeding even 12 hours. They do not get adequate rest between two duty shifts, and they are forced to work in night shifts continuously, sometimes exceeding five consecutive night shifts. This adversely impacts their health and family and social life.
The Indian Railway administration increased the notified ALP vacancies under RRB CEN 01/2024 from 5,800 to 18,000, adding a massive 13,000 vacancies. This was not due to the magnanimity of the Indian Railways but due to the heroic struggle waged by loco pilots of the Southern Railways, fighting to claim and avail of 16 hours of HQ rest plus 30 hours Periodic Rest with effect from 1st June 2024, braving punitive action by Indian Railways.
We are pleased to share with our readers below a letter by Comrade L. Mony that explains the heroic fight.
Letter by Com Mony