Indian Railway Union Threatens Strike On April 11

NEW DELHI: A majority of railway men are in favour of going ahead with the proposed indefinite strike from April 11th to press for the fulfilment of their demands, a railway union claimed today.

All-India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) General Secretary S Gopal Mishra said the railwaymen would serve strike notice to the respective General Managers of all zones and production units on March 11th for an indefinite strike from 6 am on April 11th in case the government does not meet the demands of the employees.

AIRF is demanding a review of the new pension scheme and 7th Pay Commission recommendations, besides filling up of large number of vacant posts in the railways.

On 7th pay panel reports, Mr Mishra said, "The minimum wage should be increased from Rs.18,000 per month to Rs. 26,000."

AIRF had conducted a secret ballot for its members to decide the future course of action on February 11-12 all over the country in 17 zones and seven production units.

"There were more than nine lakh railwaymen who had cast their ballots, out of which 95 per cent favoured giving a strike call. Only five per cent were not in favour of a strike and they wanted more negotiation with the management," Mr Mishra said.