NREU Election Manifesto.

NAIRUTHYA RAILWAY EMPLOYEES UNION (NREU)

         South Western Railway-Reg.No.ALCB-4/DRT/TUA/3/2008-09

          THE ONLY STAR OF SW RAILWAYMEN!

          ELECTION MANIFESTO OF NREU.

                    NREU WILL MAKE HISTORY!

     NOT WRITE/TALK HISTORY LIKE FEDERATIONS!!

1. THREE SETS OF PASSES FROM THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT.

Before explanation we prefer to speak on the discrimination-

THE OFFICERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SIX SETS OF PASSES FROM THE DAY OF APPOINTMENT. Courtesy: AIRF-NFIR? Then why not Group ‘C’ and ‘D’?

Explanation: Presently only one set of PASS is issued for the employees till they complete FIVE YEARS. This is a gross injustice because all the Railway Employees are burdened with GRAVE RESPONSIBILITIES from DAY ONE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT and not after putting in FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE.

* For example, suppose a TXR, Pointsman, Track man, Gate man , ASM, Guard, ALP, LP, ECRC, CC, Office Clerk, Technician etc etc commits a mistake ( in D&A Rule words a MISCONDUCT) even on the first day of his service in the very first year HE IS LIKELY TO BE REMOVED/ DISMISSED FROM SERVICE. This is more so applicable for safety category staff like mechanical staff, ASMs, ALPs, Guard, POINTSMEN, GANGMEN, GATEMEN, and S&T staff. Similarly it is applicable for Commercial staff even when they are found to have a small cash as small as Rs.5/- as excess either in Private Cash or Government.

Thus when the employees are liable for CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS EVEN IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR OF THEIR SERVICE IT IS ONLY RIGHT AND PROPER THAT THEY ARE TREATED ON PAR WITH EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED FIVE YEARS SERVICE AND DECLARED ELIGIBLE FOR THREE SETS OF PASSES. In the given circumstances there cannot be any DISCRIMINATION WITH REGARD TO PRIVILEGES WHEN CONDUCT and D&A Rules are same.

2. RESTORE 15/12 DAYS OF CASUAL LEAVE.

Explanation: The Railway Employees had originally 15 days CL for open line staff and 12 days CL for Office staff. But it was reduced methodically to 12/10 and 10/8 WITH THE CONNIVANCE OF RECOGNIZED FEDERATIONS. When the work load has TRIPPLED IN THE NAME OF MULTI (S) KILLING and also in terms of number of trains per day, it is strange how come the FEDERATIONS HAD AGREED for reducing the CL. Therefore 15/12 days CL should be restored.

3. INTER RAILWAY TRANSFERS.

Explanation: It is not a charity but a PROVISION in IREM (Indian Railways Establishment Manual). But the authorities are refusing even to forward the applications which is illegal. NREU stands by its commitment to this vital problem and will embark on trade union actions to achieve this vital demand.

4. NO CEILING OF LAP AT 300 DAYS. OR ELSE PAY REMUNERATIONS.

Explanation: Now the accumulation of LAP is limited to 300 days and there after it lapses. The original strength of Railway Employees has been systematically reduced from 17, 50,000 to 11, 00,000 employees. In the absence of filling up of vacancies/ war footing recruitment resulting in REDUCED WORK FORCE, the working employees are not able to avail leave on LAP account. Therefore when the accumulation of LAP touches 300 days, the LAP accrued subsequently SHALL BE ALLOWED TO BE ENCAHSED WHEN NOT AVAILED. Or else THERE SHALL BE NO LIMITING OF ACCUMULATION OF LAP AT 300 DAYS.

5. NO CEILING FOR BONUS.

Explanation: In the name of PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS (PLB) the payment of Bonus in Railways has become a LAUGHING STOCK. The entire village/town/city is UNWILLING TO BELIEVE WHEN A RAILWAY MAN TELLS THAT HE GOT A SUM OF RS.8975 AS BONUS SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY RAILWAYS AND FEDERATION IS IN TERMS OF 78/79 DAYS. The Railwaymen face a very awkward situation among his relatives and friends. STOP THE MOCKERY AND CEILING.

6. NIGHT DUTY ALLOWANCE (NDA) WEIGHTAGE SHALL BE 30 MINUTES PER EVERY ONE HOUR OF NIGHT DUTY PERFORMED.

Explanation: Presently 10 minutes for EVERY ONE HOUR OF NIGHT DUTY PERFORMED is reckoned as criteria to calculate NDA. This FORMULA was drawn perhaps in the nineteen fifties when “ONE TRAIN SYSTEM” (Ref. Chapter VII of GR of IR) was in vogue in the Great Indian Railways. In this system, for example, at any given time only ONE TRAIN WILL BE THERE IN THE ENTIRE SECTION AND ON REACHING THE DESTINATION THE Train Engine WILL BE REVERSED AND THE SAME TRAIN WILL BE RUN BACK TO THE STATION FROM WHICH IT WAS STARTED. Now it is the days of Absolute Block System and Automatic Block System all over Indian Railways with dozens of train running in a section at any given time.

Therefore the strain on the Night Duty Staff has increased MULTIFOLD and in some sections the staff does not have time even to wink their eyes. The same logic is applicable for ALL THE STAFF WHO PERFORM NIGHT DUTIES. The increasing THRUST ON NIGHT INSPECTIONS BY OFFICERS add credibility to our demand. Therefore 30 minutes per every one hour of night duty performed shall be taken as criteria to calculate NDA.

7. OTA SHALL BE BASED ON DAYWISE DUTY HOURS AND NOT ON AVERAGING WEEKLY/FORTNIGHTLY.

Explanation: Points men, Gatemen, SMs and almost ALL OTHER Railway employees are CHEATED FROM GETTING OTA under the alibi of working out OTA on weekly/fortnightly averaging hours of 51/102 hours. This is a gross injustice since the staff is forced by the immediate superior to avail CR on the last few days of the week/ fortnight. This is inhuman and taking the Railway employees for a ride. Therefore the OTA shall be calculated on the Extra Hours performed in every shift/day.

8. ABOLITION/ELIMINATION OF 12 HOURS (ESSENTIALLY INTERMITTNT KNOWN AS EI ROSTER) AND GRANTING ONLY 8 HOURS ‘CONTINUOUS’ ROSTER FOR ALL STAFF.

Explanation: Same as in Para 5 above. The number of trains running in every section has gone up very heavily. Further the Criteria for ‘EI’ Roster is that the roster consists of SIX HOURS OF PERIOD OF INACTION and hence it is necessary  that THE DPO ROSTER SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIES THE PERIODS OF INACTION AMOUNTING TO SIX HOURS (WITH ONE HOUR PERIOD OF INACTION AT A STRETCH OR TWO HALF AN HOURS). But presently the Rosters of Sr.DPOs DO NOT REFLECT THE PERIOD OF INACTIONS IN THE ROSTER.

Also the Officers conducting night inspections on Safety Category Staff are not lenient even if the employee involved is performing 12 hours duty but only issue him a charge memorandum as done for staff performing 8 hours duty. This is a gross injustice. Under the above circumstances EI ROSTER (12 hours duty) should be abolished in all places duly replacing with 8 hours ‘Continuous’ roster.”

9. DRINKING WATER, TOILETS IN ALL GATES AND WORK PLACES.

Explanation: It is shocking even after 160 years of existence of Indian Railways 99% of the gates are not having drinking water and toilets. AIRF/NFIR (SWRMU/SWRES) is responsible for this great disaster and tragedy. Therefore NREU takes this issue seriously and promises every Gateman to go all out on this matter. What deserves utmost concern is that now a days Women Employees are also working in the Gates and hence the issue will be taken up by NREU on war footing.

10. NO IMPOSITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS WITHOUT COMPLETING ADMINISTRATIVE AVENUES.

Explanation: Now in the existing D&A Rules disciplinary proceedings the Major Penalties like Removal, Dismissal and Reduction in Pay Band are imposed from the date of issuance of the Penalty Advice EVEN THOUGH THE VERY PENALTY ADVICE STATES THAT THE PENALTY IS APPEALABLE TO AA/ RA within 45 days from the date of receipt of the Penalty Advice. It is seen in our day to day real life EVEN TERRORISTS CANNOT BE HANGED WITHOUT COMPLETING AVENUE OF APPEAL INCLUDING MERCY PETITION TO HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA. Because of this lacuna in the Disciplinary Proceedings the AA/RA does not dispose the appeal within the stipulated period OF ONE MONTH. Therefore NREU promises to fight out the issue if voted to power so that ACCOUNTABILITY ALSO CAN BE BROUGHT ON AA/RA TO DISPOSE THE APPEALS WITHIN STIPULATED ONE MONTH

11. NO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ACTS DONE IN GOOD FAITH AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE BY DEPARTMENT IN SUCH CASES.

Explanation: Of late we come across Criminal Proceeding by GRP or other machinery against issues like run over and accidents. Every Railway Servant discharges his duties in good faith in accordance with rules applicable to the subject matter. In such cases the Railway shall provide Legal Assistance by deputing Railway Counsel in the courts concerned.

12. QUOTA IN TATKAL RESERVATION FOR PASSES.

Explanation: On most of the occasions the Staff does not get their leave sanctioned in time though applied well in advance. Especially in the case of Open Line staff like SMs, LPs, Guards, TTEs, Points man, Gangmen and also many other staff the leave is sanctioned only on the last day or one day in advance. Consequently the staff does not get confirmed reservation despite having taken the pass months in advance. ‘Therefore 3% of Tatkal reservation may be allotted under ‘Reservation for Passes’ DULY COLLECTING THE MONEY VALUE DIFFERENCE.

13. REST ROOM AT ALL STATIONS, GATE LODGES AND WORK SPOTS.

Explanation: The working hours of Railway employees are very strange and odd. They report and break off duty round the clock at any time. It is not possible to go home after

breaking nor possible to come to work spot exactly at stipulate duty hours as their residences are far off. Therefore REST ROOMS should be provided at all Stations, Gate lodges and other work spots where employees join duty and break off.

14. SANCTIONING 15 DAYS LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES FROM BIHAR, ODISSA, JARKAND, RAJASTHAN ETC.

Explanation: The workforce of SWR includes many employees who are from far off places like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh etc. These employees need 6 days (3 plus 3- for up and down journey) to reach home town itself. Therefore when they request for 15 days it shall be sanctioned without reduction in the number of days leave sanctioned. NREU makes a promise to NORTH REGION employees working in SWR on this vital issue.

15. NREU TUTORIALS FREE OF COST TO COACH KARNATAKA YOUTHS TO GET JOBS IN SWR.

Explanation: People from Karnataka are appearing less in number in the RECRUITMENT EXAMINATIONS held by Railway Recruitment Board located at Bangalore Cantonment. Perhaps this may be due to non availability of adequate and appropriate Coaching Centres. Therefore NREU promises to provide FREE COACHING CLASSES for candidates hailing from Karnataka aspiring for all jobs in Railways.

16. SCRAPPING of New Pension Scheme, MERGER OF DA, SETTING UP 7th PAY COMMISSION, FILLING UP OF VACANCIES.

Explanation: In all our earlier Pamphlets NREU has been repeatedly speaking on the evils of NPS and Non filling up of spiraling vacancies. Same is with regard to 7th CPC and merger of DA. These are the vital issues of NREU that will be redressed appropriately if voted to power.

17. INCLUSION OF PARENTS(BOTH FATHER AND MOTHER) AS DEPENDENTS FOR ALL PURPOSES INCLUDING MEDICAL AND PASS FACILITIES.

DEAR RAILWAYMEN,

SWRMU affiliated to AIRF in their web site “http:// www.airfindia. com/ history.html” proudly claim that they are in the Railway Trade Union from 1924 and thereby for the past 89 years and that THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE CAUSES OF RAILWAYMEN.

Similarly SWRES affiliated to NFIR in their web site “http:// www. nfirf india.org/About history.aspx” proudly claim that they are in the Railway Trade Union from May, 16, 1948 and thereby 65 years and that THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE CAUSES OF RAILWAYMEN.

The teams of NREU were visiting every Gate lodge, Stations and many work spots during their FIRST ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

WHAT A TRAGEDY AND TRAVESTY OF TRUTH?

99% of the Gate Lodges do not have water facility and toilet facility. Similarly some of the Stations also do not have the basic amenities. Similarly 99% of the Gatemen are in 12 hours ‘ESSENTIALLY CONTINUOUS ROSTER’

HERE IS A MESSAGE FOR ALL THE RAILWAYMEN. EVERY ONE OF US KNOWS MOST OF THE GANGMEN/TRACKMAINTAINERS ARE APPARENTLY WITH SWRMU/AIRF & SWRES/NFIR FOR WANT OF ALTERNATIVES. THE SAID FEDERATIONS ALSO CLAIM THAT THEY ARE FOR THE SAID EMPLOYEES. BUT THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING FOR THE RAILWAY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE STOOD WITH THEM. IF IT IS SO WHAT COULD BE THE FATE OF THE OTHER EMPLOYEES OF INDIAN RAILWAYS AND SWR IN THE DAYS TO COME.

Don’t be misguided by their blah-blah that they are only in JCM etc etc. NREU has the assistance of eminent and committed Hon’ble Members of Parliament like Shri.Basudeb Acharia, Shri.Seetha Ram Yechuri, Shri.T.K.Rengarajan, Shri.P.Karunakaran and many others.

Therefore NREU is capable of raising all the assurances found in this MANISFESTO in appropriate forums and achieve them for the Railway men of SWR/IR.

                  VOTE FOR NREU-SL NO.2

                         SYMBOL STAR.

       VOTE FOR NREU AND ENJOY ITS POWER

                    DRIVE PERFORMANCE.