In response to the call for nationwide protest given by the All-India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), the loco running staff of South Western Railway began a 24-hour hunger strike here on Tuesday.
Several members of the SWR unit of the association gathered in front of the SWR General Manager's office and began their 24 -hour protest to press for their demands.
Pending
K.C. James, central assistant secretary general of the AILRSA, and C. Sunish, general secretary of the AILRSA, SWR zone, addressed the protesters and elaborated on the demands of the association, which have been pending for long.
Grade pay
Their demands include increase in grade pay of Assistant Loco Pilots from Rs. 1,900 to 2,800; allotment of distinct grade pay for Loco Pilot Mail, Loco Pilot Passenger and Loco Pilot Goods in view of their functional difference in duties; rate of kilometerage be revised based on the Running Allowance Committee 1980 methodology and increased travelling allowance; judicial review of hours of employment and other issues.
The hunger strike, which began on Tuesday morning, will conclude on Wednesday morning.
Removed
Meanwhile, the posters put up by the AILRSA and Nairuthya Railway Employees' Union were allegedly removed by members of SWR Mazdoor Union (SWRMU). The AILRSA office-bearers strongly condemned the act by the SWRMU and said that such undemocratic actions would unnecessarily create problems.
