A flash strike by locomotive pilots detained the Chennai-bound Kanyakumari Express and Nellai Express here by 40 minutes and 20 minutes respectively on Friday night.
Loco pilots affiliated to Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) reported sick en masse as a mark of protest to highlight a charter of demands. The hour-long strike began at 9.45 pm. Additional Divisional Railway Manager R.V.B. Babu and other officials held talks with SRMU loco running staff divisional secretary G. Muruganantham and assistant divisional secretary V. Ramkumar.
The union representatives objected to non-running staff being made to function as crew controllers in Tirunelveli. Besides, in the absence of shunting pilots, the loco pilots were being asked to do shunting duties.
Based on an assurance given by the ADRM that the demands would be looked into, the strike was withdrawn, Mr. Ramkumar said.
