האגודה הישראלית לחקר יחסי עבודה

considered within the time sought by government.

Unions in Central government departments had demanded a higher minimum pay as against Rs18,000 prescribed by the commission. There were differences over calculation of yearly increments, too. A call for indefinite strike from July 11 was given by all Central government unions with the notice served on July 6.

The strike was eventually withdrawn after government referred the matter to a high-level committee to review the anomaly. However, AIRMF's general secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra said the railway union has not ruled out the option of an indefinite strike.

"The four month period will end in November. If it appears that the government is delaying the matter or the demands are not met the unions may consider the strike option again," said Mishra.

He also expressed apprehension over government's plans to have FDI in the railways. "Railways is not a profit making business and no foreign investor will be interested in losing money by running trains in India," he said.

The railways need to be modernized, but the government should do that with its own funds, said Mishra.

Mishra said safety of workers like gangmen, who are engaged in track maintenance, was also a major concern. The federation has taken up the issue from time to time. As much as 300-400 gangmen are killed each year while on duty. A device named Rakshak has lately been developed which is expected to change the situation. It gives an alarm when a train is approaching and the men at work can move to safety.

There have been times when as many as 15 to 17 persons have been mowed down at a time, said Mishra

He said there is shortage of staffers engaged in traffic safety also. As against an overall vacancy of 2.50 lakh, around 1.86 vacant posts are in the safety department. The remaining staff has to work extra to ensure passengers' safety, he said.

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