Demand Immediate Action on Work Conditions and Safety Measures
Indian Railways’ Signal and Telecommunication Department employees marked Black Day on March 14, 2024, demanding better working conditions and safety measures, following the untimely deaths of 09 colleagues within a month and ten days.
SINI – The Signal and Telecommunication Department employees of Indian Railways observed Black Day on March 14, 2024, to press for their demands following the recent deaths of 09 colleagues.
In a peaceful demonstration of unity and resolve, Signal and Telecom employees across the country conducted their protests while performing their duties. The protests were aimed at highlighting the severe working conditions they face, including being called to duty at any hour without a set time limit, leading to excessive stress and mental strain.
The IRSTMU’s decision to observe Black Day was driven by the railway administration’s failure to address their demands for the past five years, despite the formation of a committee in 2019 to consider the Risk and Hardship Allowance. The union stressed the urgent need for concrete steps to be taken to alleviate the hardships faced by employees.
Critical Demands
The key demands put forth by the IRSTMU include the establishment of night-time failure rectification gangs, the determination of roster duties for all department employees, the immediate payment of Risk and Hardship Allowance, and the prompt filling of all vacant positions within the department.
Nationwide Solidarity
The nationwide observance of Black Day, as called for by IRSTMU National President Naveen Kumar and General Secretary Alok Chandra Prakash, was a testament to the collective struggle of Signal and Telecom employees. The union has expressed gratitude towards all participants for their peaceful demonstration, which did not disrupt railway operations, underscoring their commitment to their cause while ensuring the continuity of essential services.
