DREU stages protest demanding only designated works for keymen

Railway workers of DREU-CITU on Tuesday staged a protest at ADEN-Central office here demanding relief for keymen from unskilled work.

B. Sethukarai, branch secretary, DREU, said the workers in ‘keyman’ role played the most vital and foundational role in railway safety and they were often called the ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground. They were the last line of defence against track defects and accidents. Other duties ranged from examining loose or missing fastenings, welding fractured rails, noticing abnormal track geometry and ensuring condition of rail joints and minor bridge structures.  

“But, instead of deploying the keymen in their designated roles, they are sent for trivial works like painting, cleaning and other chores,” he added.  

Diverting their skills, instead of training them for their roles, would mean making the entire workforce inefficient. Also, blacksmiths were employed on a contract basis. “These works, which form the basis of the safety of the entire railway system, are being compromised by taking workers on contract,” he said.  

At times of emergency or accidents, the contract workers could not be held accountable, and this would collapse the entire railway system.

Additionally, some of the basic demands such as separate restroom for women and men in gang rooms should be fulfilled, the protestors said.