The “All India Loco Running Staff Association” protest, run by the Loco Pilots, has escalated at Bijuri railway station in the district. Now, the loco pilots, after staging a dharna for nine days over the alleged failure to adhere to the prescribed working standards, unsafe operations and arbitrary transfers, have called off an indefinite protest with their families.
The workers who were taking part in the strike were making this accusation that the railway management was not observing valid working techniques and work standards. They said that whenever any unfortunate event takes place or work is not completed on schedule, workers are held accountable and get put under pressure and harassment.
As per the protesters, the union had sent a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Bilaspur in the earlier stage of their agitation expressing their apprehensions. They declared however, that nothing was done to remedy their complaints; and thus increased the agitation.
One of the key issues is transferring of their colleague MK Vibhuti to Brajrajnagar in Odisha. The union says the transfer took place based on false and fabricated allegations. The employees have also called for cancellation of the punitive transfer and that the railways address the issues raised by the loco pilots.
The workers threatened to stir more trouble till the management attends their grievances and offers an amicable solution. The involvement of the family members in the ‘dharna’ in this indefinite protest is also an indication of the gravity of the protest.
Loco pilots have urged that the movement must be stepped up more if their calls are not met. Their show of protest was to ensure that the workplaces remain safe and that railway standards are followed and justice is given to workers who are being subjected to ‘ arbitrary action,’ they stated.