VISAKHAPATNAM: The East Coast Railway Mazdoor Union (ECoRMU), affilitated to Bharatiya Railway Mazdoor Sangh (BRMS), has welcomed the Supreme Court directive to grant recognition to unions in the railways through secret ballot.

BRMS all India president D.M. Raodev told reporters on Tuesday that the apex court had given the directive to accord recognition to unions on the basis of the result of secret ballot to be held once in five years.

He said the railwaymen in general wanted the change as two recognised federations were enjoying the recognition for over 50 years without verification, secret ballot or without knowing the views of railway employees. He said they were also fighting for restoration of pension scheme, stopping privatisation and contract labour system,

Strike plan dropped

Mr. Raodev said they had dropped their plan to go on a strike on August 10 following the announcement of the Union Government to constitute the Sixth Pay Commission. BRMS finance secretary Mangesh Deshpande, EcoRMU zonal president A.V.S. Prasad, divisional secretary G.V. Brahmaji Rao and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh district president Bhavani Shankarudu were present.

Replying to questions, Mr. Shankarudu condemned the forcible collection of parking fee by the contractor from people coming to the railway station to drop their relatives. He said they would take up the issue with the authorities concerned soon.

Basic amenities

Mr. Prasad, who also spoke, stated that the authorities should take the initiative for improving basic amenities at Marripalem railway halt by raising the height of the platform, constructing a shelter on both sides and an underground subway between railway colony and electrical loco shed.

He said the authorities should also provide for a rail car for 300-odd staff travelling long distance to the steel plant carrier and wagon workshop from the city on regular basis.

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