Railway BoardOrderon Running Allowance

RBE 202/2008 Slno.PCVI/65
E(P&A)II 2005/RS-34 Dated26.12.2008
Railway board hasreleased the RBO for mileage
LP Mail 170
LP Pass 169
LP Goods 168
LP Shr.Sr 130
LP Shr 126
SrALP 126
ALP 121

Pay element of 30%/55% will continue.

Effect given from. 01.09.2008.
This order to be resisted. Running allowanceis not an Allowancebut a part ofOur basic.Also RAC 1980 formula to be continued.

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Matter for FAX

To,
Chairman
Railway Board
Rail Bhvan
New Delhi
Fax No. 011 23381453
Respected Sir,
Subject : - Demands Day by Loco Running Staff on 23rd Dec 2008
Members of this association are observing today – 23rd Dec. 2008 as demands day all over India by wearing demand badge on duty. Association took this decision to highlight the protest against the low pay scales allotted to loco running category when compared to the work load and responsibility shouldered by them.
The recommendations of the committee appointed by railway board to determine the quantum of pay element and running allowance rates are disheartening. The quantum of pay element in the existing rates for a new entrant assistant loco pilot is Rs.2319/- and for a loco pilot goods is Rs.4050/- and the 20 day’s T.A. is Rs.4200/- and Rs.6800/- respectively ie they should get Rs.6519/- and Rs.10850/- respectively through running allowance. For that an ALP should earn 5400Km and LP/Goods to earn 6500Km every month, which is an impossible task. When this be the fate of the Junior most ones, it is better not to speak about seniors having still higher basic pay.
So the ……………… branch of AILRSA represent their protest and once again request reconsideration on our demands to prevent an out burst of growing discontentment among the most vital category of staff in railways.

Yours faithfully,

Place : ……….. Secretary
Date : 23 – 12 – 2008 …………..Branch.

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Bombay Motorman Strike

Dear Comrades,
You might be listening different kind of stories from different type of people about what happened at Churchgate on 18th December, 2008 when the Motormen of Western Railway went on the "Hunger Strike" agitation.
As far as the best of my knowledge and belief Motormen of the Western Railway were submitting their representations about their grievances and demands since 20th February, 2006 at almost all the level of Railway’s administration.
When all of their grievances and demands were neither properly heard nor there was any serious effort by any one of the Railway's administration to solve any of the problems then only the Motormen of Western Railway were frustrated and declared to start "Work to Rule" from 1st December, 2008 and then ultimately there was "Hunger Strike" on 18th December, 2008. Revolutionary Greetings to the Motormen of the Western Railway.
The Document attached herewith is prepared by the Western Railway Motorman's Association and is self Explanatory in all respect.
Mahesh N. Pandya
Loco Pilot (Mail) BAMY
Divisional Secretary - AILRSA - BCT/WR
Zonal Working President - AILRSA/WR
09322287069, 09004448515, 09224700989

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Program of action

Program of Action

Observe 23rd Dec. 08 as DEMAND DAY

SIT IN FAST FOR 36 Hrs. from 29th Dec. - 08
Before All DRM Offices

Regional Convention
South and South Western Railway
At HOTEL NEW KRISHNA BHAVAN
Sampige Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore
On 23rd Jan 2009

Mass Rally and Dharna before Rail Bhavan
on 6th Feb. – 09

If the demand are not settled we may forced to enter in to

INDEFINITE STRIKE
Any Day After 1st APRIL – 09

Demands
1. Upgrade the Grade Pay of ALP to Rs.2800/-
2. Consider functional differences and allot distinct Grade Pay as follows
3. Allow 55%/30% pay element pending revision to 70%/60%
4. Extend additional allowance to all loco running staff.
5. Appoint judicial review committee on HOER as assured by Govt.

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Times of India News- Motorman Strike

MUMBAI: The flash strike by motormen of Western Railway, which left thousands of suburban railway commuters stranded for over two hours, was finally

called off on Thursday night.

Suburban train services resumed shortly after 11 pm, after the strike was called off following discussions between motormen and railway officials, but not before angry commuters vented their ire, damaging property at some railway stations like Churchgate, Marine Lines and Andheri.

At Churchgate, hundreds of stranded commuters pulled down metal detectors and smashed glass panes of the booking office.

BEST operated additional services in view of the disruption of train services. Several commuters also opted for taxis to return home.

"Train services had come to a standstill at 9.20pm following the flash strike", Western Railway CPRO S S Gupta said. "The motormen gave a notice for hunger protest (strike) for today but there was no intimation about this strike", he said.

The motormen had refused to operate trains following the collapse of two of their colleagues during the day-long hunger strike. Over 300 motormen on the suburban line of the Western Railway (WR) participated in the agitation, demanding filling up of vacancies.

Around 9.20 pm, two motormen, apparently exhausted by the hunger strike, collapsed at Churchgate. Subsequently, other motormen stepped down from their duty following which all Up and Down train services were disrupted.
What Happens Actually
motor man of western railway went on ire and stopped the train service for 2.45 hours in peak hours, resulting in public anger.the motorman said that they were given notice one month before regarding an on duty hunger strike, but the DRM and the Sr.DEE(OP) neglected thier demands and not even permitted an elgible discussion. the demands were
1)crew link will be discussed with employees before implementation, not with the people of recoganised union, as these peoples blindly agreeing to administrations decission
2)Reduce average working KM / Day and make it less than CR or equivalent to them
3)Victimisation of motormans to be stopped immediately on silly and unwanted matters
4)one fellow victimised should be taken back without serious action
5)6th pay commission to be implemented in proper way as done in other places
6)demanding a grade pay of rs 4600/- to motormans
these demands were given one month before, and as per the programme motormen were working doiing hungerfast, and two of the members collapsed.even after that the adament & arrogant administration refused to talk constraining the motormans to take the deadly decision of stopping the train. and the drm & sr.dee(op) discussed with them agreeing the first five demands and recommending rly board to implement the 6th decision

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Employees Pension Scheme-

Employees' Pension Scheme -
Oppose Arbitrary Reduction of Benefits, Demand Improvments
- W. R. Varada Rajan
The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) was introduced in 1995 as an additional scheme under the Employees' Provident Fund Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. A fierce debate preceded the enactment of legislation in Parliament in this regard. The CITU and some other Left Trade Unions had demanded Pension as a third benefit and pointed out the inadequacies and shortcomings in the EPS put forth by the then Congress Government at the Centre. However, the INTUC, BMS, AITUC and HMS had lent unqualified support to the EPS as brought out by the Government and justified such support with an ingenious argument that once the Scheme comes into vogue, improvements could be made subsequently. The Government on its part included a provision for annual valuation of the Employees' Pension Fund and also assured a comprehensive review after 10 years of introduction of the EPS.
The first four annual valuation reports brought out at the end of November 1996, March 1998, March 1999 and March 2000 had resulted in grant of paltry relief of 4 per cent, 5.5 per cent, 4 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. Thereafter, the annual valuation reports for the period from 2001 to 2005 incorporated an alarming picture of huge deficit in the Pension Fund, based on the assessment of growing contingent liability. Besides, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation and the Ministry of Labour have been resorting to unilateral interpretation of the provisions of the EPS, adversely affecting even the grossly inadequate benefits contained in the Scheme. The Supreme Court verdict upholding the EPS 1995 had emboldened the Government to take drastic measures detrimental to the interests of the workers.
The Ministry of Labour had put forth several proposals for reducing the benefit-package under the EPS 1995. These proposals were opposed by the representatives of the central trade unions inside the Central Board of Trustees of the EPF. The Government of India attempted to push these proposals at the meetings with the representatives of the central Trade Unions held with the Secretary, Ministry of Labour on 21.4.2005, 21.6.2005 and 18.7.2005 and the Minister of Labour on 16.11.2006. In all these meetings, all the central trade unions had rejected these proposals and unanimously demanded that the contribution from the employers and the Government of India should appropriately be increased in order to grant improved pension benefits and index linked dearness relief to the pensioners.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has constituted a committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the Pension Scheme. Besides, there is a Pension Implementation Committee under the CBT to continuously monitor the Pension Scheme.
But, the Governmnet of India had issued a Gazette notification (GSR Nos. 688 (E) dated the 26th September, 2008) incorporating several amendments They are:
1. Amendment to Para 12 (7).
2. Deletion of Para 12 A.
3. Deletion of Para 13.
These amendments have far reaching consequences by way of substantially altering the benefit package of the EPS'95 to the detriment of the interests of workers.
The first amendment to Para 12 (7) has increased the rate by which the amount of pension is to be reduced in the case of early pension (availed by those who have completed 50 years of age but are below the age of 58) from 3 per cent to 4 per cent. This will result in immediate reduction in the quantum of pension.
If for example, the eligible pension on completing 58 years of age is Rs. 1000 per month and the employee has to exit the job on completion of 50 years of age, either due to resignation, retrenchment, illness or otherwise, he would get an early pension applying a reduction of 3 per cent per year i.e. 24 per cent reduced from the monthly pension and would get Rs. 760 per month. This reduction rate has now been enhance to 4 per cent and in this case the reduction would be 32 per cent or the monthly pension would be Rs. 680 only.
The second amendment (Deletion of Para 12 A) is altogether eliminating the option available at present for commutation of pension. The existing provision enables a member to commute up to a maximum of one-third of his pension so as to receive hundred times the monthly pension. This facility was mad available after three years of commencement of the Pension Scheme i.e. from 16.11.1998 onwards.
If for example, the eligible pension is Rs. 1000 per month and the pensioner opts to commute one-third of his monthly pension the commuted value of will be equal to 1/3 x 1000 x 100 = Rs. 33333 and the same will be paid at the time of exercise of option for commutation. The balance pension payable on monthly basis will be Rs. 667.
This option for commutation is totally abolished now. The pensioner is thus denied the opportunity to commute one-third of his monthly pension and avail a lump sum amount to meet exigencies like marriage in the family, death of kin, medical expenses etc. The concept of commutation is a universal component of any pension scheme and this is done away with arbitrarily.
The third amendment (Deletion of Para 13) eliminates the existing option available to a member eligible for pension to draw reduced pension and avail a return of capital under any of the three alternatives provided. Unlike the option for commutation, the option for return of capital must be exercised at the time of applying for pension itself.
The three alternatives are:
i. A pensioner during his lifetime can opt to avail a revised pension of 90 per cent of original pension with return of capital equal to 100 times the original monthly pension on death of the member payable to the nominee.
ii. A pensioner during his lifetime can opt to avail a revised pension of 90 per cent of original monthly pension; the widow of the pensioner can opt to avail a revised pension of 80 per cent of original monthly pension on the death of her husband; the nominee of the pensioner can also exercise this option on the remarriage of the widow; In these case the return of capital will be equal to 90 times the original monthly pension.
iii. A pensioner can opt to avail a fixed pension for a period of 20 years notwithstanding whether the member lives for that period or not. Under this option the member can avail a 87.5 per cent of original monthly pension for 20 years and at the end of 20 years, avail return of capital equal to 100 times the original monthly pension.
All these three alternative options for availing return of capital have now been totally eliminated.
Besides these adverse changes in the benefit package under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995, the notification incorporates an amendment to the table under the EPS revising the rates of damages to be levied from an employer who makes a default in the payment of contributions/charges payable as prescribed in the scheme.
The existing rate of damages and reduced rates are as under:
Period of Delay (Pre-revised) Rate of damages (As amended)
Less than two months 17 % 5 %
2 months & above but less than 4 months 22% 10%
4 months & above but less than 6 months 27 % 15 %
6 months & above 37 % 25 %
Such damages are levied under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme and Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme as well. The Government of India has issued two other Gazette Notifications (GSR Nos. 689 (E) to 690 (E) dated the 26th September, 2008) incorporating identical amendments to the tables under these two schemes as well.
These amendments arte intended to benefit the employers who are defaulting the remittance of contributions under these schemes. While on the one hand the Government of India has virtually abolished the inspection of establishments to do away with the 'harassment' of employers and has pledged to promote voluntary compliance, the penal element in respect of defaults in compliance have also been softened.
Only the subject of reducing the rate of damages was placed as an agenda item of the 181st, 182nd and 183rd meetings of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPF held on 24.1.2008, 17.4.2008 and 5.7.2008. In the CBT, the agenda item was deferred on all the three occasions. A decision has since been taken on this deferred item of the agenda at the back of the CBT. This is highly deplorable.
While the first amendment to Para 12 (7), i.e. enhancement of the rate of reduction in the case of early pension, had been mooted by the Consultant Actuary and the Valuation Reports. But the other amendments had never been raised at any time before either in the meetings of the CBT or in the meeting of the Pension Implementation Committee. Moreover, these issues were not discussed in the meetings with the representatives of the Central Trade Unions, referred to earlier.
These arbitrary decisions have been given effect to even while a comprehensive review of the EPS' 95 is under way and the Committee set up for the purpose has held two sittings.
The trade union movement should vehemently protest over this unjustified move, which has rendered the statutory tripartite body of the CBT irrelevant and reduced the tripartite consultation mechanism in the Labour Ministry to a mockery.
Here it is also worthwhile to record here that a decision taken by the CBT after due deliberations at its 182nd and 183rd meetings for reduction of threshold limit for coverage of the EPF & MP Act, 1952, from the existing limit of 20 workers to 10 workers had not been given effect to. While the Ministry of Labour has chosen to maintain a studied silence over this decision, it has no qualms to decided with unseemly haste flouting all norms to impose adverse changes in the benefit package of the EPS' 95.
The trade union movement should demand immediate withdrawal of these Notifications and urge the Government of India to initiate a dialogue with the Central Trade Unions for bringing meaningful improvements in the Employees' Pensions Scheme like enhancement of the minimum pension bringing it on par with the minimum pension available under the central government pension scheme applicable to pre – 2004 recruits and provision of index linked dearness relief for the pensioners. For this, the contribution from the employers and the Government of India should appropriately be hiked.

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Letter to CRB,regarding Running allowance

To,
THE CHAIRMNAN
Railway Board
Rail Bhavan
New Delhi

Respected Sir,
Sub: Recommendation of committee on Running allowance dt. 25th Nov. 2008.
It is learned that the committee constituted to decide the quantum of pay element and running allowance rate has submitted its recommendation. The recommendations of the committee that the existing quantum or pay element shall continue but running allowance rate shall be doubled abolishing the system of determining the rate of kilometerage on a long established formula which has been brought in Railways after a long and sustained effort of AILRSA is unjust and hence unacceptable to running staff. As the news of recommendation is spread amongst the running staff there is serous resentment among staff.
At the out set we appreciate the two conclusions arrived by the committee that the depression concept is no longer relevant vide Para 16 of their recommendation. Secondly the conclusion arrived in Para 9 and 10 that the running staff are crucial and vital to the running of the Railway and the fact that running staff productivity is critical to the IR so it is necessary that their motivation level is maintained at highest level, and upon the
implementation of the 6th CPC recommendation Teachers, Nurses, Section officers/ Sr. Section Officers of Account have been placed in the pay band which over shoots conventional Group “C” scales. Crucial categories like running staff have to be seen in relation to the difficulties, skill level and environment in which they work and running staff are distinct from all other Group “C” staff and their case has to be accordingly appreciated.
Basing on these conclusions the committee recommended to retain the existing percentage of 30% and 55% as pay element, through this Association and other recognized union asked to revise it upward to 60% and 75% giving justification for the same since 1981. the demand of the running staff may please be conceded in appreciation to their service to Railway.
Finding of the committee that in many cases emoluments of the running staff exceeds that of Group A officers is not the factual position. It may be true that the retirement benefit of running staff who are stagnated in the highest scale and drawing stagnation increment would have been reached to level of Group “A” in some cases but not in all cases, that too only on retirement benefit not on emoluments. This was so from the inception of Railway the reason for allowing higher retirement benefit was clearly spelt by the RAC 1980 and the finding of the III CPC.

FORMULA FOR WORKING OUT RATE OF KILOMETERAGE ALLOWANCE.
In this connection, we can not accept the recommendations of the committee. We are constrained to say that the whole concept of introduction of running allowance scheme by the railway is not fully appreciated or understood by the committee.
After all, the running staff should be paid the pay element according to the Basic Pay (pay band+ Grade pay) of the individual employee and TA/DA according to TA/DA rules. This is the minimum concept and is in accordance with basic rules.
But without straight away giving it, this has been paid through the scheme of running allowance. The RAC 1980 dealt the subject well. They recommended to take the mean of the scale as a compromise formula, otherwise different and distinctive rate have to be derived to different stage in pay scale as the individual employee is entitled for pay element according to his Basic Pay. Deriving different rate for different stage in Basic Pay is cumbersome and impractical. It may also be noted that while taking mean of the Basic Pay in fact, those who are in higher basic pay will loose and athose in lower pay benefited. If the minimum of pay scale is taken to arrive at the rate, the individual employee who draws higher pay will not get the actual amout or the pay element whch is statuory in nature. If the maximum of Basic pay is taken to arrive the rate, then uninteneded benefit will accure to those who are in lower levlel in the scale. That is why the RAC 1980 recommended taking the mean pay to arrive at the rate. It was an equitable decision. And staff not protested even though theree was a loss for those who draw higher pay in the scale.
The present recommendation to take the minimum of pay band be seen in this perception. Those who draw higher pay in the pay band will get a lesser amount of pay element, that too a very drastic loss. Pay of many running staff had been fixed in the band above 22,000/- and none draws at Rs. 9,300/- at present.
The observations made by the VI CPC to pay allowances with reference to minimum of pay in the pay band in Para 7.36.97 of it report were in the nature of suggestion/ illustration and this has modified through an errata and held that, the administrative ministry concerned will need to take a final view thereon.
Therefore the recommendation may be rejected and mean of the pay band & grade pay be taken to arrive at the running allowance rate.
The committee assumed the TA/DA has been released fixing at Rs. 210, but subsequently order of Railway Board on TA/DA has been fixed Rs. 340 should be taken as TA for fixing running allowance. Therefore the recommendation of the committee on running allowance to double the rate w.e.f. 1-9-2008 has to be rejected.
20 days TA/DA in the formulae may be revised at least to 25 days considering the present the present crew links/pattern of working.
According to the finding of the committee on bench marking, the national average kilometerage arrived was at 4700 KM. Therefore the average kilometer of Loco Pilot (pass) may be taken at 4700 KM and Assistant Loco Pilot be taken as 3700 KM to arrive at the running allowance rate.
We further wish to point out that the fixation of Loco Pilot (pass) whose Basic Pay as on 01.01.2006 at Rs. 5500 will be fixed at Rs. 11650+4200 GP i.e. at Rs. 15850. And TA of Rs. 105 was raised to Rs. 340 with an increase of 3.25 times. In the case of Assistant Loco Pilots the increase in TA rates is from Rs.55 to Rs.210 i.e. 3.81 times. Therefore the recommendations of the committee to double the rate of running allowance from 01.09.2008 have to be rejected.
According it is just to demand that the kilometerage rate of running staff be raised as follows:



Loco Pilot Assistant Loco Pilot


Basic Pay (9300+34800)+4200 (5830*+20200) +1900
2 2


Mean Pay 26250 14915



30% pay element 7875 4475


TA Rates 105 55

National average KM 5100 3725


Mileage rate 195.60 149.65

After TA revision w.e.f. 01.09.2008 with RAC 1980 formula

Basic Pay (9300+34800)+4200 (5830+20200) +1900
2 2




NewTA rate 340 210

Mean Pay 26250 14950

30% pay element 7875 4475




Mileage rate 287.75 232.90
In the light of the above facts, the recommendations of the committee need to be modified duly considering our demand for increasing the pay element to 60% / 75% and taking national average kilometer of passenger crew links as 4700 kilometers with 25 days TA.

Thanking you.
Yours’ faithfully


(M.N.Prasad)
Secy. Genreal

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Leter to CRB regarding Mileage rate

To,

The Chairman,
Railway Board,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi.


Sir,


Sub: Revision of running allowance to running staff.

It is learned that the committee constituted to decide the quantum of pay element and running allowance rate has submitted its recommendations. The recommendation of the committee that the existing quantum of pay element shall continue and running allowance rate shall be doubled is unjust and hence unacceptable to running staff.

The loco running staff is continuously protesting against the reduction of pay element from 75% to 30 / 55% in 1981. There were serious protest in fixing the national average kilometers and number of TA admissible.

Even if none of the demands of the loco running staff on the pay element and running allowance parameters are conceded, the rates will become as follows.

Existing formula suggested by RAC-1980 = {(30% Basic pay + 20 days TA) / National average KMs of Loco Pilot (pass)} x 100

Existing rate of running allowance

LP passenger = 83.80
ALP = 60.35

After pay revision w.e.f 01-01-2006



Loco Pilot
Mileage rate (9300-34800)+4200


7875+(105x20) X100 = 195.60
ALP
(5200-20200)+1900



4380+(55x20) X100 =147.10
3725


After TA revision w.e.f. 01-09-2008 with the existing formula


Mileage rate (9300-34800)+4200


7875+(340x20) X100 = 287.75
ALP
5100 (5200-20200)+1900


4380+(210x20) X100 =230.35


According to Bench marking orders as well as RAC-2002 National average KMs of passenger crew link is 4700 only. RAC-2002 agreed that number of TA admissible is 21 days.


7875+(340x21) X100 =319.45
4700
4380+(210x21) X100 =235.95
3725

Then the rate comes to,


We further wish to point out that the fixation of Loco Pilot (pass) whose Basic Pay as on 01-01-2006 at Rs. 5500/- will be fixed at 11650/- + 4200, that is at Rs. 15850/-. In other words the increase is 2.88 times. In light of the above facts the recommendation of the committee need to be modified duly increasing the pay element to 60%, taking national average of passenger crew links and 23 days TA.


Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,



cc: Union Minister of Railways,
Minister of state for railways,
Basudevacharya, M.P.
Member mechanic
Member traffic,
Member staff.

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Releasing Of FIRE magazine

Releasing special issue of FIRE Magazine-official organ of AILRSA-
commemorating Com. SK Dhar was done

By Com. Basudeb Acharia MP,
Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways.
On 3rd Dec 2008, Wednesday, 16.00 hrs
at Hotel New Krishna Bhavan,
Sampige Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
The program was presided by Com. C. Sunish

The following were addressed the function

1. Com.L Mony, Central President,AILRSA.
2. Com.KAS Mani, Central Vice President, AILRSA.
3. Com. S. Prasannakumar, president, NREU.
4. Com. PS Prasad, General Secretary, COC.
5. Com. KV Raghavendra, Divisional Secretary, SWRMU.
6. Com. KN Rao, Vice President, NRMS.
7. Com. PAS Rao, Secretary, IRLRO.
8. Com. R. Surendran, Divisional Secretary, AILRSA.
9. Com. VJK Nair, All India Vice President CITU

Com. Saroj Kumar Dhar (SK Dhar), Secretary General All India Loco Running Staff Association is no more. Our grate beloved leader has demised on 15th September 2008 at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) New Delhi.
He spent his entire life for the cause of Running Staff of Indian Railways in particular and for the entire national trade union movement in general. His demise is a loss for the working class movement. Different Trade union leaders like Com. MK Pandhe, Com. Basudeb Acharia, Com. Mohammed Amin, Com. Kaniai Banerjee, Com. MM Lawrance were given their write up about Com. Dhar. This special issue is a History of Railway trade union of India.Com. Dhar is the symbol of sacrifice. He died at the age of 75. He is surviving with wife, daughter and one son. He hails from Anara of West Bengal.

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Mumbai Motorman on Struggle

Dear Comrades,
Please note and inform others by all the means of communication available.
Motormen of Mumbai Division - Western Railway have started work to rule agitation from 01-DEC-2008. The All India Loco Running Staff Association - Mumbai Division whole heartedly supports the demands and the agitation program of the Motormen's agitation. The AILRSA submitted the Memorandum on Local Demands to the Officer's of Mumbai Division on 02-DEC-2008 which included forwarding the memorandums of the Demands & Grievances of the Train Driving Staff of Vasai, Valsad, BCT/BAMY, and Churchgate (Motormen).
The Motormen of Mumbai/Western Railway have warned that they will go on indefinate hunger strike and start working the trains with empty stomach form 18-DEC-2008 if their demands and Grievances are not considered by then.
Mahesh N. Pandya
Loco Pilot (Mail) Mumbai - Western Railway
Divisional Secretary - AILRSA - Mumbai - WR
Zonal Working President - AILRSA - WR
WR CUG - 09004448515, RIM - 09322287069, TATA - 09224700989

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Ahammedabad Division

Dear Comrades,
The All India Loco Running Staff Association and the All India Guard's Council Jointly Organised a meeting of the Running Staff at the Ahemadabad Lobby on 28th November, 2008 at 11.00 hours. The Meeting was well attended and successful. The Running Staff present in the meeting unanimously decided to follow all the programs as decided by the Central Working Committee and the Joint Action Committee.

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Mumbai Division

All India Loco Running Staff Association & All India Guard's Council - Mumbai Division - Western Railway will jointly organise a March to the Divisional Railway Manager's Office - Mumbai Central on 2nd December 2008 at 10.00 hours regarding local demands of both the categories of the running staff. Memorandums will be submitted on various local demands to the Divisional Officers.

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Program of Action- in short

1. Observe 23rd Program of action decided by CWC

December as Demand day, wearing the demand badge, holding open meeting at every crew point.
2. A 36 hrs Hunger fast commencing from 10hrs. On 29th Dec’08 in front of all DRM’s Office.
3. Area wise Regional Convention

Kolkata- ER, SER, Metro : 17.01.09
Nagpur- SEC : 18.01.09
Mumbai- CR, WR : 19.01.09
Vijayawada- SCR : 21.01.09
Bangalore- SR, SWR : 23.01.09
Varanasi – NE, NC : 28.01.09
Ludhiyana- NR : 30.01.09

4. Mass rally and sit in Dharna before Rail Bhawan, NDLS on 06.02.2009

5. If our demands are not conceded we will enter into “Indefinite Strike” any day after 1st April 2009 duly issuing a strike notice as per ID Act.

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Releasing of FIRE magazine

ALL INDIA LOCO RUNNING STAFF ASSOCIATION
SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

Releasing special issue of FIRE Magazine-official organ of AILRSA-
commemorating Com. SK Dhar

By Com. Basudeb Acharia MP,
Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways.
On 3rd Dec 2008, Wednesday, 15.00 hrs
at Hotel New Krishna Bhavan,
Sampige Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
Presided by Com. C. Sunish

Addressing:
1. Com. KAS Mani, Central Vice President, AILRSA.
2. Com. S. Prasannakumar, president NREU.
3. Com. PS Prasad, General Secretary, COC.
4. Com. KV Raghavendra, Divisional Secretary /SWRMU.
5. Com. KN Rao, Vice President, NRMS.
6. Com. PAS Rao, Secretary, IRLRO.
7. Com. R. Surendran, Divisional Secretary, AILRSA.

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Regional Conventions

A little modification is done in regional convention programmes as under: -

1 Kolkata E. Railway
S.E. Railway
Metro/Kolkata 17.01.09

The Central leaders will do their reservation reach HWH by 9hrs. on 17.01.09 with a intimation to Com N. B. Dutta Mobile No. 09830280269 reservation for these four comrades will be done by the organizing Railways to NGP by 2810 on 17.01.09 itself. Com, L. Mony,
Com, M. N. Prasad
Com, T. Hanumaiah
Com, N. Sarkar
2 Nagpur S.E.C. Railway C. Railway 18.01.09 from 16:00hrs. Reservation will be done by 2140 to Dadar on 18.01.09. Com, M.P. Dev will be responsible for organizingthe convention and reservation. Com, L. Mony,
Com, M. N. Prasad
Com, T. Hanumaiah
Com, N. Sarkar
3 Mumbai/Kalyan wherever convenient C. Railway
W. Railway 19.01.09 Com, D. S. Koparkar will be responsible for organizing the programme and reservation for the team to on 19.01.09 itself 2701 From Hyderabad Com, T. Hanumaiah will arrange by a convenient train to Vijayawada. Com, L. Mony,
Com, M. N. Prasad
Com, T. Hanumaiah
Com, N. Sarkar

4 Vijayawada S. C. Railway VSKP (E. CO. Railway) 21.01.09 Organizing convention and reservation to Banglore by 6324 or 2510/2514 on 21.01.09 is the responsibility lies to Zonal committee with consultation of Com, T. Hanumaiah Com, L. Mony,
Com, M. N. Prasad
Com, T. Hanumaiah
Com, N. Sarkar
5 Bangalore S. W. Railway 23.01.09 Return reservation for Com. M.N. Prasad & Com, N. Sarkar to HWH and for Com, L. Mony and T. Hanumaiah to Eranakulam and Secenderabad will be done by Com, C. Sunish. Com, L. Mony,
Com, M. N. Prasad
Com, T. Hanumaiah
Com, N. Sarkar
6 Varanasi N.E. Railway N.C. Railway (If any one contacted) 28.01.09 Com, J. N. Sah is responsible for meeting, reservation by 2317 to ludhiana on the same day for the team. Com, N. Sarkar
Com, M. N. Prasad
7 Ludhiana N. Railway 30.01.09 Com, Paramjit Singh is responsible for meeting and reservation for the Comrades attending to NDLS by a convenient train. Com, N. Sarkar
Com, M. N. Prasad

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CWC Circular ,Nov 2008

Dear Comrades,

The CWC meeting was held at Ghaziabad on 17th 18th Nov’08. Chaired by Com, L. Money our president, discussed our issues, and on the agenda as circulated with the notice of the meeting. 13 Comrades took part in the discussion. In-addition 4 ALP who has taken initiative to Organize ALP have also participated and expressed their confidence in AILRSA and its movement. It is noticed that some of the General Secretary did not attend the meeting which only reflects the lack in seriousness which are to overcome in the interest of Org. and the Loco men.

A delegation led by Com. M. N. Prasad, Jt. Secy. General met with Member of Staff Mr. SS.Khurana in the Chamber of Com, Basudeb Acharia, (M.P), Chairman Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, in absence of MR, CRB who was not available and out of New Delhi. We expressed our serious resentment over the Pay Pocket of Loco Running Staff Specially of ALPs, not maintaing the functional differences of LPs by not allotting the in creased different grade pay. We have drawn his attention on the issue of Pay element as per our memorandum and rate of Kilometerage to be fixed on existing formula taking into consideration of enhanced rate of TA, pay etc. we also wanted a information on constitution of any anomalies committee. The discussion was very good in cordial atmosphere.

Member Staff informed us that the Railway Board is serious and sympathetic to our demands and will do, the best possible. He also said that our representation is being examined. On the question of Pay element he said that a team of Officer who examining all these question. He further mentioned during the coure of discussion it that depression in Pay of Running Staff is not as it was earlier, it come to 2% which was contested by us. However he said that the existing rate of Pay element i.e. 30%, 55% remains as it is. A Small Committee which is constituted for the purpose is formulating the rate of Kilometrage and Pay element. He has also informed us that Railway Board requested DOPT to formulate modalities to constitute the anomaly committee. Com, in face of above, discussion, all the rumour which is being now spread has no truth but is being done to cool down the resentment to allow the Railway Board to do what ever they like without any resistance. In view of above, now it our task to launch a vigorous campaign, strengthen our unity and resistance and with this consideration, the CWC took the programme as under. A letter of Railway Board for constituting Small Committee is attached herewith for your information.

After taking stock of the entire situation and giving due consideration of the members who expressed their views and opinion, the meeting unanimously decided the following programme of action against, the retrograde recommendation of 6th CPC as well as the decision of Ministry of Railway on the Pay of Running Staff specially of ALP of the IR which has created a strong resentment.


In-fact the pay allowed to Loco Running Staff is not commensurate to the responsibility attached to the post. Despite of the repeated representation and effort to draws the attention of Railway administration except a little modification nothing much is done which further enhanced the resentment and in this scenario we have no option but to agitate in order to persuade Ministry to resolve the grievances of ours will all sincerity and seriousness.

Taking into consideration of these compelling circumstances, this CWC drawn the following agitational programme and approved to the CWC.

1. Zone should release a detailed memorandum. The matter for memorandum will be supplied by center and posters on our grievances immediately not later than 15th Dec’08.

2. All Branch, Divisional and Zonal meeting will be held between 10th to 20th Dce’08 to propagate our demands and agitational programme and also alert our comrades to give prime importance to buildup unity among Loco Running Staff.
3. Observe 23rd Dec. as demand day, wearing the demand badge holding open meeting at every crew point and a Fax message to be given to MR and labour Ministry (matter will be supplied by Centre) ( badges, poster, notice be done by the comrade in Zone)

4. A 36hrs. Hunger fast commencing from 10hrs. on 29th Dec’08 in front of all DRM’s Office and submit the reminder to our grievances address to MR/labour Minster copy to CRB (Poster, notice printed by Zone)

5. Held area wise Regional Convention of Loco Running Staff following press conference as follows a team of central leaders will attend.


Sl. No. Organized by Place Date Will be Attended by
1 N. E. Railway Varanasi 13.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com,
M.N.Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar

2 N. Railway Ludhiana 15.01.2009 Com. L Mony,Com, M.N.Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar

3 E. Railway,
S. E. Railway, Metro/Kolkata Howrah 17.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com, M.N. Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar, Com, T. Hanumaiah

4 S.E.C Railway
C. Railway Nagpur 18.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com, M.N. Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar, Com, T. Hanumaiah

5 C. Railway
W. Railway Bombey 19.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com, M.N. Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar, Com, T. Hanumaiah

6 S. C. Railway Vijayawada 21.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com, M.N. Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar, Com, T. Hanumaiah

7 S. W. Railway Bangalore 22.01.2009 Com. L. Mony, Com, M.N. Prasad, Com. N. Sarkar, Com, T. Hanumaiah


6. Mass rally and sit in Dharna before Rail Bhawan on 06.02.2009

7. If our demands are not conceded we will enter into “Indefinite Strike” any day after 1st April 2009 duly issuing a strike notice as per ID Act.

8. To-meet financial requirement to execute these programme a befitting manner each and every Loco Running Staff be requested to contribute Rs 100/- not later than 31.12.2008 for which a coupon of Rs. 100/- will be permitted by Zone and supplied to Division as Strike Fund. Each Zone should Pay Rs. 3000/- immediately to Center within 15.01.2009 to meet the expenditure of Center programme.

9. Coupon for Building fund to be returned

10. The Central working committee meeting of All India Loco Running Staff Association held of central office on 17th and 18th Nov’08 decide to entrust Com, M. N. Prasad, joint Secretary General with the responsibilities of secretary General, since the post is vacated by our beloved Com, S. K. Dhar due to his demise on 15.09.08. In accordance with clause 13 A IV of the constitution of AILRSA, this Central Working Committee entrust him to act as the sole essecutive authority of Secretary General as laid down in clams 13 A IV of the constitution till next General Council is met.

These meeting appeals to All Loco Running Staff of Indian Railway to raise to the occasion and vigorously peruse the agitation programme with a spirit thereby achieve the demands.


M. N. Prasad

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CWC Decision To CRB, Nov.2008

To,
The Chairman
Railway Board
Rail Bhavan
New Delhi
Sir,
The Central Working Committee meeting of this Association held at Ghaziabad at his Central Office on 17th and 18th Nov. 2008. The meeting was chaired by its president Com. L. Mony. Delegates from all over India attended the meeting. The house after thread bare discussing of the grievance faced by the Running Staff, especially after the implementation of 6th CPC recommendation unanimously passed the following resolutions:

1. This meeting records its resentment over the prescribed Pay Band and grade Pay allowed to various category of the Loco Running Staff cadre, especially of ALP. The pay packed allowed the Loco Running Staff not commensurate with the responsibility attached to the post. Almost equal amount of pay pocket has been allowed to Loco Pilot and Guard, where as the responsibility, skill, arduousness of duty, and Medical standard, attached the Loco Pilot are much higher than that of the Guard. More-over the Loco Pilot Pay scale was always higher than the guard.

In the case of ALP, the pay scale was stands higher than goods Guard, during I CPC and II CPC, has come down below the Goods Guard every after cadre restructuring and Pay Commission. The fireman ‘A’ under III CPC have the scale of Rs. 290/- - 350/- , like the Goods Guard whose scale was Rs. 290/- - 430/-. On account of cadre restructuring in the year 1983 the Goods Guard Pay scales were raised to Rs. 330/- - 560/-, where as fireman ‘A’ remaining at Rs 290/- - 350/-. The 4th CPC allowed a scale of Rs. 1200/- -2040/- to Goods Guard, where as ALP were allowed with a Pay scale of only Rs. 950/- - 1500/-, equal to Asst. Guard/Brakes-man. The 5th CPC raised the Goods Guard scale to Rs. 4500/- - 7000/-, but for ALP it was Rs. 3050/- -4590/-as a consequence, the ALP grade Pay come to Rs. 1900/-, just Rs. 100/- more than the lowest post. Where as Goods Guard, who were stood in a lower scale than ALP in prior 1973 and in pay with ALP prior 1983, now allowed with a grade pay of 2800/-.

In all these years we are continuously pointed out this position and the miserable condition of the pay packet of ALP. It may be noted that the responsibility, and skill, attached to the post of ALP has drastically increased year after year from 1973. But still no improvement in their pay packet was done to ALP.




The rate of Running allowances and different compensatory allowances should also be formulated without any further delay based on new Pay, relised classification of city and T.A there upon and the appropriate Pay element i.e. 60% as demanded and justified by us. (Pending decision on 60% Pay element the existing 30% may be taken into the consideration). The rate of Running allowance should also be effective from 01.01.2006.

Taking all these into consideration, the opinion and views expressed by its members, we are constrained to organize some Trade Union programmes in order to call the attention of the Ministry of Railway and Government of India to our grievances, which needs to be resolved amicably and satisfactorily.

The programmes are as follows.

1. Demand day duly wearing badge on 23rd Dec. 08
2. 36hrs. Hunger Strike in front of all DRM Office 29th Dec’2008
3. Rally to Rail Bhawan on 6th Feb’ 2009
4. In case failing to get Justice ever after repeated submission of grievances and drawing the attention of Government the Association may be constrained to go for a painful direct action

2. The CWC has also resolved to nominate Sri. M. N. Prasad to act as Secretary General in place of Com, S. K. Dhar till next BGM who died on 15th September 2008.

We hope that your goodself will settle the issues amicably before the situation goes to the level where the Association may be forced to resort these painful agitations.



With kind regards,





M. N. Prasad
Act. Secy. General

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Dharna at Bangalore- Hindu report

Karnataka - Bangalore

Shifting of crew booking depot to SGT opposed



Staff Reporter








— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Unanimous opposition: Members of South Western Railway Mazdoor Union and their family members demonstrating in front of the Divisional Railway Manager’s office in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: Members of various Railway trade unions along with their families staged a dharna in front of the Divisional Railway Manager’s Office of South Western Railway here on Friday protesting the administration’s decision to shift the crew booking depot to the Satellite Goods Terminal (SGT), Whitefield.

The unions said they had earlier agreed to the administration’s proposal to shift the existing depot from Byappanahalli as the Goods Yard was being closed. It was agreed to relocate the depot at Krishnarajapuram, which was well connected by road and rail, the unions said. However, the Chief Operations Manager, SWR, Hubli, took a unilateral decision to shift the depot to SGT, the areas surrounding which were highly polluted due to frequent loading and unloading activities, the unions alleged.

The main objections against the proposal were: SGT is far away from the locations where the staff were residing; the terminal was a loading and unloading centre for cement, fertilizers and other commodities and hence the area was highly polluted; there was no proper connectivity either by rail or by road even during daytime to SGT; basic amenities are not available at SGT and there were not enough residential quarters if the staff intended to stay near SGT.

On the other hand, Krishnarajapuram would have been convenient for the crew in many respects, the unions said.

K.V. Raghavendra, divisional secretary, South Western Railway Mazdoor Union; K.N. Rao, vice-president, Nairuthya Railway Employees’ Sangh; C. Sunish, general secretary, All-India Loco Running Staff Association and other leaders addressed the members.

The members took a unanimous decision to reject the proposal to shift the crew booking depot to SGT and said any further move by the administration in this regard would result in disruption of train services.








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AILRSA Central Working Committee

AILRSA central working committee meeting held at Ghaziabad from 17 to 18th November to discus the stock of situation. Com. L Mony presided over the meeting. Com. MN Prasad, Com. NB Dutta, Com. Sajeet Sarkar, Com. KC James , Com. C. Sunish were attended among many other CWC members. The leaders of the ALP meeting at Nagpur on 07.11.08 were also attended and express their views.
The meeting decided to conduct the following action programs.
1. Demands Day 23.12.2008. members to wear demnd badges and conduct gate meetings.
2. A 36 hours Hunger Fast in front of all DRM's office from 29.12.08
3. Regional Conventions
Ludhiana NR 13.01.09
Varanasi NER 15.01.09
Howrah SE/ER 16.01.09
Nagpur SEC/CR 18.01.09
Bombay CR/WR 19.01.09
Vijayawada SCR 21.01.09
Bangalore SR/SWR 22.01.09

4.MASS RALLY and Dharna in front of RAIL BHAVAN on 06.02.09
5. If the issues are not settled INDEFINITE STRIKE from 01.04.09 duly issuing strike notice as per ID act.

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Joint Dharna at Bangalore

All the trade unions of LOCO RUNNING STAFF and GUARD’s ; South Western Railway Mazdur Union, Nairuthya Railway Employees Sangh,All India Loco Running Staff Association and Indian Railway Loco Runningman Orgnisation jointly conducted a Family Dharna in front of Divisional Railway Manager’s office, Bangalore from 1100hrs to 1700hrs. Around 400 members and their family attended.
The main Demand is as follows:-
The existing Crew Booking depot, Baiyappanahalli needs to be shifted due to closing of Goods yard and for opening of a new coaching Terminal at Baiyappanhalli.
The divisional administration discussed with organized labour and came to a conclusion to shift this Depot to Krishnarajapuram, which is convenient with all respects. But the Chief Operations manager, SWR, Hubli unilaterally taken a decision to shift the crew booking depot to Satellite Goods Terminal (SGT) near to Whitefield.
The main objections against these proposals are:-
1. SGT is far away from the locations where the staffs are presently residing.
2. SGT is a loading and unloading centre for cement, fertilizers and other commodities and hence it is highly polluted area.
3. SGT is not having proper Railway and Road connectivity even during day time.
4. SGT is not having School, Medical and other basic amenities.
5. SGT is not having sufficient number Railway Quarters for staying.
On the other hand we propose Krishnarajapuram (KJM) as most suitable and proper place for a Crew Booking point. The advantages are:-
1. KJM is well connected at all time by train and bus.
2. Residential area is located nearby KJM.
3. Above the present station building Crew Booking Office can be constructed.
4. KJM is located centrally and near to Bangalore, Sevanagar, Bangalore cantonment and Yeshwanthpur where large number of running staff residing.
The program was addressed by :-
1.K.V.RAGHAVENDRA, Divisional Secretary ,SWRMU
2.K.N.RAO , Vice President ,NRMS
3.P.S.K. MOHAMMAD, General Secretary, IRLRO
4.C. SUNISH , General Secretary, AILRSA
5.S.RAMAMURTHY , AGS , SWRMU
6.CHANNABASAPA , Divisional Secretary, NRMS


A unanimous decision was taken to out rightly reject the proposal to shift the crew booking depot to SGT , and further move by the administration in this regard will disrupt the train service.

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Discussion with MemberStaff, Railway Baord

AILRSA Central delegation under the leadership of Com. MN Prasad, Acting Secretary General and comprising of Com. L Mony, Com. JS Tank, Com. NB Dutta, Com. N Sarkar, Com. Sanjeet Sarkar and Com. C. Sunish met Member Staff, Railway Board at Parliament Bhavan, on 17.11.08 in presence of Com. Basudeb Acharia MP, as the Minister of Railways and Chairman Railway Board were out of New Delhi.
The discussion with Member Staff was very nice and cordial. In which we could able to present our grievances on the recommendation of 6th CPC and its implementation. We expressed our serious resentment of the pay packet allowed to ALP, in spite of ample reasons are there to give a better pay packet what was offered by 6th CPC. The member Staff also agreed to our point and informed as that Railway Board also viewed the issue seriously and sympathetically and assured some thing within the frame work will be done to settle the grievances of ALP’s, but did not spell out what exactly the Railway Board would do . Any how we placed our views clearly before him.

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Demonstration in Western Railway

In the Western Railway - Mumbai HQ at Churchgate the demonstration was organised by AILRSA & AIGC as per the guidelines received from centre. Memorandums were submitted to the AGM, COM, CPO(IR), CME, CRSE and other officers.
In the Central Railway - Mumbai HQ at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus the program was observed by AILRSA & AIGC with over whelming response from the Loco Running Staff.
Mahesh N. Pandya
Zonal Working President - AILRSA Western Railway.

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GM Office march at SCR-

In south central Railway the AILRSA zonal demonstration held on 11-NOV-2008 in front of GM's office,Rail nilayam, Secunderabad was massive & very successful. More than 300 Loco men have participated. They held the AILRSA flags, banners, play cards displaying demands and chanted slogans in support of their demands. They demanded 1.Grade pay of Rs.2800/- to ALPs;Rs.4200/-to LP(Shg);Rs.4600/-to LP(Goods);Rs.4600/-to LP(Pass);Rs.5400/-to LP(Mail& Express);Rs.5400/-to Loco Inspectors.2.Upward revision of pay element to 75%and 60% for retirement& service benefits respectively from the present 55%&30% respectively.3.Extension of Special allowance to all Loco men.4.Appointment of Judicial committee to review HOER. The ALPs have participated in large numbers in making the demonstration a grand success. A memorandum was submitted to the General Manager S.C.Railway. The LUNCH HOUR Meeting was addressed by Com.T. Hanumaiah Joint Secretary General AILRSA, K. Suryakumar Zonal President S.C.Zone Ch. Narasimha Zonal Working President, S.Gurumurthy central office bearer,V.K .Kutty Gen.Sec.& M.K. Shaji Jt. Sec .K.Ramakrishna BZA divn;K. prasad GNT Divn.S. Raghavendra rao GTL.and many others spoke. The demonstration and the speakers have highlighted the grave injustice to the loco men in general and Assistant Loco Pilot in particular,in allotment of pay scales by 6 th CPC and demanded immediate action to allot Grade Pay as demanded by AILRSA

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GM office march on 11.11.08

Press Matter for the favour of Publication

As part of all India program, AILRSA South Western Railway has conducted a massive rally consisting of more than 200 Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots from Hubli platform to the General Managers Office. Com. P Vijaya Kumar, Vice President, AILRSA, Southern Railway, Com. C. Sunish, General Secretary, AILRSA , South Western Railway, Com. SD Arnold, President, South Western Railway, Com. A Jayachandran, Working President South Western Railway have addressed and lead the demonstration. Members of AILRSA shouted slogans against the retrograde recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission.
After reaching general managers office leaders have submitted a detailed memorandum addressed to Honorable Railway Minister through General Manager South western railway with the following demands
Demands
1) Up grade the post of ALP with grade pay of Rs.2800/-.
2) Considering functional differences allot distinct grade pays.
3) Allow 55 and 30% pay element pending revision to 75and 60%.
4) Additional allowance be extended to all Loco Running Staff.
5) Appoint Judicial review committee as HOER as agreed to.

A Zonal Convention was held at PRAKASH RESTAURANT ,Hubli at 14.00 hours to educate the running staff about the anomalies of 6th CPC.
The program was inaugurated by Com. S Prasannakumar, President NREU.
Com. SD Arnold, Com. P Vijay Kumar, Com. C. Sunish, Com. A Jayachandran, Com. AH Ayee, Insurance Employees union, etc have addressed the gathering.

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AILRSA met Sri Basudeb Acharia MP at Koppal

Sri Basudeb Acharia MP, Chairman Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways came to Gangavathy near by Koppal to attend campaigning meeting against Terrorism along with Sri VJK Nair, State Secretary CPI(M).

A delegation comprising of Sri Rajesh K, Zonal Treasurer, AILRSA, Sri. KT Achari, Chief Crew Controller, Hospet, Sri Ajai Das,Crew Controller Hospet,Sri Shibu, Loco Pilot Goods, Hospet and Sri Pradep Kumar Das, Assistant Loco Pilot Hubli met Sri Basudeb Acharia and submitted a detailed memorandum after appraising him the need of IMPROVING THE PAY SCALE OF ASSISTANT LOCO PILOTS. He assured that the grievances will be forwarded to Sri Lalu Prasad Yadav, Honorable Railway Minister for consideration.

There is a GM office march by AILRSA on 11.11.08 at 10.00 hrs starting from Crew booking lobby Hubli.
Demands
1) Up grade the post of ALP with grade pay of Rs.2800/-.
2) Considering functional differences allot distinct grade pays.
3) Allow 55 and 30% pay element pending revision to 75and 60%.
4) Additional allowance be extended to all Loco Running Staff.
5) Appoint Judicial review committee as HOER as agreed to.




ZONAL CONVENTION
At PRAKASH RESTAURANT
At 14.00 hrs
Inauguration: Com. S. Prasanna Kumar,
President, NREU, State Secretary CITU

Key Note Address: Com. KAS MANI,
All India Vice President ,AILRSA

Other Speakers
Com. Vijay Kumar, South Zone Vice President
Com. SD Arnold, Zonal President
Com. C. Sunish, General Secretary.

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Memorandum Prepared to Submit through CMPE/CELE

Respected Sir,

The entire Assistant Loco Pilots are aggrieved by the low pay packet allowed to them by the 6th CPC.

It may please be noted that at the minimum of the 5th CPC basic pay for ALP ie., Rs. 3050, the total pay as on 01.01.2006 comes to Rs. 6460 as pay band . Where as the minimum pay band fixed as on 01.01.2006 was Rs. 5830 according to section II of Railway Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, notified vide CSR No. 643E dated : 04.09.2008.

There is a reduction of Rs. 630 in grade pay alone with corresponding reduction in other allowances such as Dearness Relief, HRA etc.

It is also there grievances that inspite of a higher recruitment qualification of Matriculation + ITI, preferably Diploma in Engineering, 9 months intensive training before absorption, higher medical standard and high responsibility attached to post than any post which carried a pay scale Rs. 3050 – 4590, under 5th CPC as of ALP had been allowed with higher pay by the 6th CPC.

The following posts which carried a pay scale of Rs. 3050 – 4590 as of ALP were upgraded by 6th CPC to Rs. 4500 – 7000 with a grade pay of Rs. 2800 .

The case of Asst. Class II in Calcutta mint under Ministry of Finance in pay scale of Rs. 3050 – 4590 were upgraded to Rs. 4500 – 7000 with a grade pay of Rs.2800.

There initial pay band on 01.01.2006 will be Rs. 8560 according to Section II of RS (Revised Pay) Rules in PBI with a grade pay of Rs. 2800. And the total pay will be 8560 + 2800 = 11,360, where as the ALP will stand at 5830 + 1900 = 7730 as on 01.01.2006. A huge difference of Rs. 3630 in the pay packet besides corresponding difference in DA, HRA etc.

More over thousands of post which carried a scale of Rs. 3050 – 4590 under various Ministries were upgraded to Rs. 3200 – 4900 ie PBI + Rs. 2000 as grade pay, which are:-




1. Constable under Home Ministry as Railway Ministry, CBI, RPF
2. Postmen under Dept. of post
3. Leading Fireman of firefighting force
4. Mail guard in Railway mail service
5. Navik in Coast Guard
6. Assistant Class II in Govt. mint.
7. Notice server in department of Revenue
8. Carpenter in film division
9. Forest guards.

Their pay will be fixed in the pay band I at Rs. 6460 with a grade pay of Rs.2000 which comes to a total pay packet of Rs. 8460 where as ALP with a pay band of Rs. 5830 + grade pay of Rs. 1900 will come upto Rs. 7730 only, lesser by Rs. 700.

It may noted that the entry qualification, initial training period, the medical standard and responsibility attached to the post of Asst. Loco Pilot are much higher than the above mentioned posts.

It may also be noted that under the Central Govt. service / Railway Service which have an entry grade pay of Rs. 1900, the percentage of posts in that grade is less than 15% where as in the Loco Running Cadre,ie Asst. Loco Pilot is 40% and more of the total cadre strength. It may also be noted that out of the total ALP posts, a meager 30% posts are in Rs. 4000 – 7000 (under 5th CPC) which were allowed with pay band I+Grade pay of Rs. 2400. It would have been increased to 80% to settle some grievances. In this case also the entry pay in the revised pay for direct recruits appointed on or after 01.01.2006 will be fixed at Rs. 7510 in P.B.I with a grade pay of Rs. 2800, where as ALP with a grade pay pf 1900 in P.B.I never get the entry pay in Pay band at Rs. 7510 when promoted to grade pay of Rs. 2400.

In the case of Asst. Loco Pilot the entry qualification is matriculation + ITI and shall posses the AYE-ONE medical standard which is the highest prescribed in Indian Railway Medical Manual and one which is prescribed for Air Line Pilots. He has to pass psychological test too.

Apart from the above they have to undergo 13 months vigorous training they have to study general rules, subsidiary rules and various special instructions on normal working, attending failure of signals and communication equipments, during natural calamities etc. They have to acquire technical knowledge of working and trouble shooting of various locomotives in A.C and diesel traction including imported computer controlled new


generation locos. Gain an intimate knowledge of the terrain in the concerned sections, the UP and Down gradients, curves, bridges, L.C. gates, Ray-out of station yards and signals including sidings. In the OHE sections, when ever there is a problem pertaining to ‘OHE, ALP has to attend and secure the wire along with the LP. His duty is much related with public safety and therefore subjected to stringent punishments for every omission from his past and always visits with removal / dismissal same as in the case of Loco Pilots.

The working conditions, longer working hours, unscheduled rosters, subjected to the climatic fury and isolation from family and relatives and so on, do not have any comparison to that of any similarly placed posts.

In nut shell the post of ALP deserve a much wider difference than Rs. 100 which is now existing between the lowest pay and also deserve a better pay than the pay structure allotted to other cadre who have the entry qualification of ITI. There fore it is apt to upgrade the post of Asst. Loco Pilot to the grade of Rs. 4500 – 7000(5th CPC scale) and to corresponding P.B.I + Rs. 2800 with entry pay in Pay band at Rs. 8560 as per section II of Railway Service (Revised pay Rules -2008). Besides the pay band and grade pay of Loco Running Staff may be modified at least as under.

Fireman (FM) II PBI + GP. Rs. 2400/-
FMI /Asst. Loco Pilot PBI + GP. Rs. 2800/-
Loco Pilot (Shunting) PB2 +GP. Rs. 4200/-
Loco Pilot (Goods) PB2 +GP. Rs. 4600/-
Loco Pilot (Passenger) PB2 +GP. Rs. 4800/-
Loco Pilot (Mail) PB2 +GP. Rs. 5400/-
Loco Inspector PB2 +GP. Rs. 5400/-

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,

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Committee by RB for pay anomalies

Having come to know that Railway Board has constituted a committee of Additional Member Mechanical and Additional Member Electrical primarily to look in to the grievances of Loco Inspectors and at the same time sort information about ALP and other running staff pay scale anomalies , Com. T Hanumaiah, Joint Secretary General, AILRSA, instructed all Zonal leaders to meet SLI Running HQ, CMPE R&L , and CELE of the respective Zonal Railway to represent our pay anomalies and submit a detailed memorandum. AILRSA SR, SCR, and SWR submitted our views to the concerned officers to include the report to railway board.

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Govt Decition to Stop EPF commutation

CITU Protest Unilateral Cut in Pension Benifits

31st October 2008

Dear Shri Fernandes,

I am forwarding herewith the copy of the letter dated 31st October 2008 addressed to you by W R Varada Rajan, Secretary and CITU’s nominee in the Central Board of Trustee (CBT) of EPFO protesting unilateral decision of the Govt making adverse changes in the Employees Pension Scheme without consulting the CBT as notified by EPFO Circular letter dated 16th October 2008 and Gazette notifications GSR nos 688(E) to 690(E) dated 26th September 2008.

The Employees Pension Scheme meant for providing pension to the workers has been altered to the advantage of the employers and the Govt to perpetrate a sharp reduction in the pension benefits of the workers and simultaneously to provide relief to the defaulting employers; and such novel exercise has been done unilaterally ignoring the tripartite Central Board of Trustee and the workers’ representatives in particular. There was no decision in the CBT on any of these changes nor any of these issues was ever brought before the CBT for a structured discussion. This is totally deplorable.

The unilateral changes in the Employees Pension Scheme pertain to downward revision in the rates of damages to be levied on the defaulting employers to their advantage on the one hand and drastic reduction of pension-related benefit of the workers on the other in respect of 1) early pension (below 58 years), 2) withdrawal of commutation facility and 3) withdrawal of the option for availing combination of reduced pension and return of capital. In essence, all the beneficial options for the workers were withdrawn besides reducing the pension amount for the early-pensioners and the defaulting employers are rewarded with relief for the default and finally the hard-earned savings of the workers in pension fund is going to foot the bill for such anti-worker retrograde exercises.

The brazenly pro-employer bias of the Government is also noted from the fact that while the Govt is in haste to alter the Employees Pension Scheme in order to reward the defaulting employers and curtail the pension benefit of the workers completely ignoring the tripartite CBT, the unanimous recommendation of CBT for reducing the threshold limit for coverage of EPF &MP Act 1952 from the existing limit of establishment employing 20 workers to establishment employing 10 workers is gathering dust with the Govt sitting tight on the unanimous recommendation of the tripartite forum thereby reducing tripartism to mockery.

CITU opposes such a pro-employer bias of the Govt and urges upon the Govt to rescind all the three unilateral and anti-worker changes made in the Employees Pension Scheme revoking the concerned Gazette notifications. There should not be any unilateral alteration in the Employees Pension Scheme without ensuring a consensus with the Central Trade Unions and the tripartite forum, With regards,

Yours sincerely,

(M K Pandhe)
President

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On ALP and Runing Staff Grievances.

On Asst.Loco Pilots & Other Loco Running Staff Grievances.

The pay scales of 1^st Fireman/Asst. Loco Pilot have been distributed of their relativity with that of Guard. The following table indicates how the relativity disturbed to the disadvantage of Asst. Loco Pilots.

CPC	Alp/Fireman	Guard GR. ‘C’	Shunting Jamedar
Ist CPC	RS. 75-105	Rs. 60-170	Rs. 75-105
IInd CPC	Rs. 125-155	RS. 110-220	Rs. 125-155
IIIrd CPC	RS. 290-350	Rs. 290-430	Rs. 225-350
1983 cadre Restructure	_______	Rs. 330-530	Rs. 330-560
IVth CPC	Rs. 950-1500	Rs. 1200-2040	Rs. 1200-2040
Vth CPC	Rs. 3050-4590	Rs. 4500-7000	Rs. 4000-6000

It is seen till IIIrd pay commission both Asst. Loco Pilot & Guard carries similar scales of pay. There after distortion of relativity has taken place. The Asst. Loco Pilots are demanding the relativity should be restored between ALP and Guard, by bringing ALP into Rs. 2800 grade pay on par with Guard.

In fact ALP deserves higher pay scale than the guard as the ALP knowledge, performance, responsibilities, risk, safety consciousness and medical standards are higher than the guard and in addition to that, the ALP posses the knowledge of different departments technical as well as other wise. The ALP also performs the duties of TXR, Guard, Civil Engineering Staff, TRD, C&W, TRS staff. Trains are run with out Guard but the duties of Guard devolve on the Loco Pilot& ALP thus the ALP discharging the duties of Guard also in addition to his job. Similarly the job of C&W staff, checking of the train is also done by the ALP along with LP. Trouble shooting of Loco, TRD, Track failures and defects on the vehicles are also attended by ALP. The Alp medical fitness is highest ie. AYE ONE and should retain the same till his retirement. The risk involved in discharge of duties is greater than Guard as well as other categories. The ALP has to undergo 18 months initial training in Diesel Mechanical Engineering and Electrical, C&W and G&SR, Besides First Aid and Fire fighting, while the training course of Guard is only 45 days.

The qualification required for ALP was Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering and accordingly some batches of ALPs were recruited during 1985-1988. As required number of Diploma holders were not coming forward the education standard was revised to that of SSC+ITI with a rider that Diploma holders will be preferred. As a matter of fact even today, in view of the low pitched pay scales many ALPs are leaving the job, preferring out side jobs. In certain cases they are not joining even after giving Posting Orders. Thus should be taken into consideration to ensure pay scales and emoluments of ALP are not less than the Guard, so as to prevent the exodus of Alps to private organizations and other dategories.

In View of this and also the functional differences between various categories of Loco Running Staff, The ALPs and Loco Running Staff demanding the Pay Structure as follows.

category	Vth CPC Scale in Rs.	VI th CPC			Demand of ALP & Loco running staff
		Pay band	Scale in Rs.	Grade Pay in Rs.
Fireman II	2750-4400	PB-I	5200-20200	1800	2400
ALP Gr.II	3050-4590	PB-I	5200-20200	1900	2800
ALP Gr.I	4000-6000	PB-I	5200-20200	1900	2800
LP Shunting Gr.II	4000-6000	PB-I	5200-20200	2400	4200
LP Shunting Gr.I	5000-8000	PB-2	9300-34800	2400	4200
LP Goods Gr.II	5000-8000	PB-2	9300-34800	4200	4600
LP Goods Gr.I	5500-9000	PB-2	9300-34800	4200	4600
LP Pass Gr.II	5500-9000	PB-2	9300-34800	4200	4800
LP Pass Gr.I	6000-9800	PB-2	9300-34800	4200	4800
LP Mail/Exp.	6000-9800	PB-2	9300-34800	4200	5400
Jr.Loco Inspector	6500-10500	PB-2	9300-34800	4600	5400
Sr.Loco Inspector	7450-11500	PB-2	9300-34800	4600	5400

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