As many as 179 contract workers of the Rail Wheel Factory here in Yelahanka will go on a symbolic strike on June 3 to protest against the delay in regularising their services. The contract workers who have put in over 30 years of service, will strike work under the aegis of the Wheel and Axle Plant Contract Workers’ Union. Union president G.R. Shivashankar told presspersons that around 300 workers have been on contract since 1984. “In 1999, services of 97 contract workers were regularised while 179 continue to be on contract as they have not passed eighth standard, the required qualification,” he said.
“About two months ago, the Railway Recruitment Board hired 200 employees and contract workers are being removed from service to accommodate them. This is illegal as our case is before the Central Administrative Tribunal,” he added.
Mr. Shivashankar argued that the contract workers have 30 years’ experience, which makes them well qualified for the job.