Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

`One union-one industry' policy to be stressed: SRMU

Staff Reporter

Memorandum to be sent to Sonia Gandhi and Karunanidhi

MADURAI: The Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) will mount pressure on the Railway Board to implement `one union-one industry' policy, its general secretary, N. Kanniah, said on Monday.

"The Railway Board has to give its consent for electing one employees' union through a secret ballot. A division bench of the Supreme Court has upheld the demand (for a `one union-one industry' policy) and there is no reason why it should be delayed further," he told The Hindu here.

Replying to a question on the meagre allocation of funds for sanctioned projects, some of which remained a non-starter even after years, he said the unions had no role to play in decision-making. However, if the proposal for electing one union was followed, the leaders (of the elected body) would play a vital role in prioritising projects and allocation of funds.

Sixth Pay Commission

Expressing concern over delay in constitution of the Sixth Pay Commission, he said the 1.05 lakh employees affiliated to SRMU had launched a signature campaign to send a memorandum to the United Progressive Alliance Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, and the Democratic Progressive Alliance leader, M. Karunanidhi.

The Sixth Pay Commission would benefit 44 lakh Central Government employees, including 14 lakh railway employees.

"Considering the nature of work and cost of living, the Centre should ensure that the Group C and D staff draw a basic pay of Rs. 9,000 and Rs. 6,500 respectively. An interim relief of Rs. 1,000 should be extended till the recommendations (of the pay commission) are implemented."

If the union leaders were not called for negotiations, the federation of all Central Government employees would launch a nationwide one-day token strike on September 29, he said.

Earlier, Mr. Kanniah, who is also the assistant general secretary of the All-India Railwaymen Federation, disbursed welfare schemes to employees. The SRMU Madurai Divisional Secretary, R. Kesavan, and the Assistant Divisional Secretary, J.M. Rafiq, were present.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Bench moved to squash order
`One union-one industry' policy to be stressed: SRMU
With love from Air Sahara
Sports scholarships for youngsters
Water released from dam for double-crop
Call to withdraw `new pension scheme'
Power shutdown
Winning accolades as always
Foreseeing a brimming Vaigai
Around the City
In Madurai Today

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu