The 48-hour hunger strike launched by the All India Loco Running Staff Association on Tuesday morning, raising various demands, including an eight-hour limit to daily duty, a weekly off of 46 hours, only two consecutive night duty shifts instead of four in a week, etc., will conclude on Thursday morning. The country-wide hunger strike is on in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Palakkad in Kerala.
The strike has not hit train services in Kerala. The union has been alleging that running staff (loco pilots) have been deprived of 16 hours of daily rest, along with a weekly off of 30 hours. Further, the staff have been forced to work unlimited hours under the threat of disciplinary actions.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has announced solidarity with the strike, demanding that, among others, the 25% additional travel allowance granted by the 7th Pay Commission be implemented. The confederation has condemned the ‘move by the authorities to suppress the strike.’ Central government employees also participated in the solidarity march to the protest venue.
In view of the strike, Railways have directed all zonal general managers to ensure discipline and smooth functioning of rail movement. It must be ensured that railway employees obtain permission from their competent authority to leave the headquarters. The zonal authorities are also advised to submit a report to the Railway Board in the wake of the strike.
Published – December 03, 2025 09:05 pm IST
