We had reported in the May 15-31 issue of MEL on the strike action of the Central Railway and Western Railway Motormen on May 3-4, 2010. They resumed work only when it was announced on May 4 by the Railway Ministry in the floor of the Parliament that the Railways would look into the grievances of the motormen and resolve the same by June 15. However as on June 15 the Railways Management has not announced any measures to address the grievances of the motormen.
We had reported in the May 15-31 issue of MEL on the strike action of the Central Railway and Western Railway Motormen on May 3-4, 2010. They resumed work only when it was announced on May 4 by the Railway Ministry in the floor of the Parliament that the Railways would look into the grievances of the motormen and resolve the same by June 15. However as on June 15 the Railways Management has not announced any measures to address the grievances of the motormen.
The strike on May 3 and 4 was a complete success and brought the entire central and Western Railway services in Mumbai city to a halt. In support of these 1000 motormen of Mumbai several support actions were organized all over India by the All India Loco Running Staff Association representing 40,000 Loco drivers in the Indian Railways — including drivers of Goods Trains, Mail and Express Trains, and suburban trains. All these drivers expressed their solidarity with the Mumbai Suburban drivers by going on duty on May 3 without food. The grievances of these drivers are all very similar. They have to work long duty hours without adequate rest. Their wages are not commensurate with their work.
Faced with this complete unity of the Motormen, the Railway Ministry gave a false assurance on the Floor of the Parliament to fool the workers. After being betrayed once more by the Railway Management the Motormen are planning their next course of action. Mazdoor Ekta Lehar extends full support to the just struggle of Motormen of Mumbai for their rights.