Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123060020600.htm

Karnataka

Loco staff launch fast

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Three members of the All India Loco Running Staff Association on Monday began a fast to draw the attention of the Railway authorities to their demands.

More than 100 persons from the association are extending their support to the protest.

C. Sunish, association general secretary, told The Hindu that their main demands include raising the grade pay of assistant loco pilots to Rs. 2,800 and considering functional differences and allotment of distinct grade pay. He said that the basic, as stipulated by the Sixth Central Pay Commission, for assistant loco pilots is not sufficient. “As the basic is low and considering that the working condition is tough, many new assistant loco pilots are quitting and joining other sectors where the pay is more,” he said. He also said that the commission has merged three scales, goods, passenger and mail driver, into one. “This way, there are no promotional opportunities for the drivers. We urged the Government to de-merge the scales and allot distinct grade pay,” he said.

The duty hours of loco pilots/ drivers are determined according to the Hours of Employment Regulation Act, framed in 1936. “It was later modified in 1961. Loco drivers/ pilots have to work for 12 to 13 hours at a stretch,” Mr. Sunish said.

He also said that during 2007, the Central Government Employees’ Union had urged the Union Government to appoint a Judicial Review Committee to amend the Act.

“However, till now, no committee has been formed,” he said.