Railway Union Demands End to Contract Staff in Safety-Critical Roles

The South Central Railway Employees’ Sangh (SCRES) has taken a firm stand against the [Indian Railways](/topic/indian-railways) Ministry's increasing reliance on contract workers for safety-critical operations. This demand comes in light of a significant number of vacancies and safety concerns that have been raised following a tragic incident involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express in October 2024. The union is advocating for immediate action to fill these vacancies and ensure the safety of railway operations across the country.

The SCRES general secretary, M. Raghaviah, emphasized the urgent need to address the safety risks posed by the deployment of contract workers in sensitive roles. According to Raghaviah, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has recommended reducing the number of contract workers engaged in safety-related duties to a minimum in the short term and eliminating them entirely in the long term. This recommendation stems from the aftermath of the collision at Kavarapettai station, which raised alarms about the adequacy of safety measures in place.

Raghaviah stated, “The reliance on contract personnel in safety-sensitive operations is a direct threat to passenger safety. We cannot compromise on the integrity of our railway system.” The union's stance is that the safety of passengers and railway staff should never be compromised for cost-cutting measures.

The SCRES has highlighted a staggering 1.5 lakh vacancies in safety-critical positions across Indian Railways. In the South Central Railway (SCR) and South Coast Railway (SCoR) zones alone, there are approximately 1,300 vacant Station Master posts, nearly 1,000 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies, and about 3,000 apprentice-related vacancies. This staffing crisis has raised concerns about the ability of the railway system to operate safely and efficiently.

Raghaviah pointed out, “The government’s claims of having adequate staff in place are misleading. The reality is that we are facing a severe shortage of trained personnel, which puts both employees and passengers at risk.” The union is calling for a time-bound approach to filling these vacancies to restore confidence in the safety of railway operations.

In addition to addressing staffing issues, the SCRES has reiterated its demands before the Eighth Central Pay Commission (CPC) for a minimum monthly salary of ₹69,000. This figure is based on a fitment factor of 3.833, which the union argues is justified given the demanding nature of railway jobs. Employees often work round-the-clock, endure night shifts, and face high stress levels, all while having limited family time.

Raghaviah stated, “Our railway employees are the backbone of this system. They deserve fair compensation for their hard work and dedication. The current pay structure does not reflect the realities of their jobs.” The union believes that fair wages will not only improve employee morale but also enhance the overall safety and efficiency of railway operations.

As of now, the Indian Railways Ministry has not publicly responded to the SCRES's demands. However, the growing pressure from railway unions and safety advocates may compel the government to reconsider its staffing and compensation strategies. The union's strong stance and the backing of safety recommendations from the CRS could lead to significant changes in how safety-critical roles are filled and compensated.

The SCRES is prepared to escalate its efforts if their demands are not met. Raghaviah warned, “We will not hesitate to take further action if the government continues to ignore the safety and welfare of railway employees.” The future of railway safety and employee satisfaction hangs in the balance as these discussions unfold.

The SCRES's demands reflect a broader concern about the safety and operational integrity of the Indian Railways. As the union continues to advocate for change, the spotlight remains on the government to respond effectively to these pressing issues.