The Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) has called for united public action and struggle to stall the proposed move to privatise the railways and “corporatise” Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
Speaking to reporters here, SRMU general secretary N. Kanniah said the ruling BJP government at the Centre was attempting various ways to privatise the railway sector, which would affect employees and the public as well.
The Centre’s recent announcement under the ‘100 Days Action Programme’ in order to “corporatise” railway production units and privatise express trains had ignited protest from the SRMU and its apex body – the All India Railwaymen Federation, he said.
Despite the excellent performance of Integral Coach Factory, which was one among the government-owned units set up in Tamil Nadu years ago by the Central government, the present government was now trying to “corporatise” the unit, Mr. Kanniah alleged.
Just like disinvestment of Neyveli Lignite Corporation was stopped due to stiff public opposition, a similar united action on the part of the public and railway employees was needed to stall the move to privatise railways and “corporatise” Integral Coach Factory, he said.
The union would approach public and explain the dangers of privatisation, he added.
