Retired staffers ‘instigating’ loco pilots to strike work in Palakkad division, says Railways

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‘Adds a layer of complexity’

It further said the involvement of the “retired personnel adds a layer of complexity” to the ongoing situation.

The Railways claimed that loco pilots in the Palakkad division clock only 80 percent of the stipulated working hours compared to those in various depots of adjacent South Western and South Central railways or the Chennai division of Southern Railway.

“In India, no similar strikes have been reported elsewhere except in the Palakkad division, which shows that the strike has been influenced by the vested interests of a small group of individuals,” it added.

It also pointed out that the union was ‘unrecognised’.

“Palakkad division cannot show any leniency to the unlawful behaviour of absenting from duty on completion of rest and demands that are against the approved labour laws, as these activities will systematically disrupt the crew rosters and pave the way for more inefficiency and further reduce the already less working hours.”

According to Southern Railway, a total of 46 goods train services have been affected because loco pilots have started joining late for duty from 2 June, on completion of rest.

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