– GS Com Venu Nair Highlights NRMU’s Vision of ‘One Industry, One Union’ for Safeguarding Railways
Nagpur :- The National Railway Mazdoor Union (NRMU) organised a press meet at NRMU headquarters on 6th November addressing key issues facing railway employees ahead of the critical Secret Ballot Election (SBE) 2024. Comrade Venu P. Nair, General Secretary (GS) of NRMU – CR/KR laid out a bold vision for unity among railway workers with the objective of “One Industry, One Union.” The election, scheduled for December 4th, 5th, and 6th will determine the recognised union representation for zonal railways. The press meet highlighted critical issues concerning railway employees, the current state of the railways, and the importance of trade union strength in protecting workers’ rights.
Legacy and Commitment of NRMU’s Leadership in ECC’s 111-Year History
The GS emphasised the historical significance of the Employees’ Co-operative Credit (ECC) Society, established over 111 years ago, and its legacy in supporting workers through thick and thin. NRMU’s recent victory in the Central Railway ECCS elections in June 2024 demonstrated continued worker confidence in the union’s leadership. Com Venu Nair said, “In the spirit of ‘One Industry, One Union,’ NRMU-AIRF (All India Railwaymen’s Federation) has been the vanguard of workers’ rights, a force for change and solidarity within the railways. Our union stands rooted in a revolutionary history of resilience and is committed to safeguarding the hard-earned rights of railway employees.”
Secret Ballot Election 2024: A Call for Workers’ Unity
The 2024 Secret Ballot Election comes at a crucial juncture for Indian Railways, which faces multiple challenges. It was made possible by the judiciary’s intervention, which underscores the essential role of democratic processes and worker solidarity in advancing workers’ rights. Com Venu Nair emphasised that this election represents more than just recognition—it’s a fight to uphold workers’ rights as one cohesive force. “Union recognition is not a privilege; it is the right of every railway worker to have a voice and representation,” he stated. “With ‘One Industry, One Union,’ we can ensure a future where workers are never divided, their rights never compromised, and their voice never silenced.” He called upon all members to participate actively, underscoring the union’s responsibility to protect and elevate the rights of railway employees.
Exposing the Impact of Re-Engagement of Retired Employees and Unfilled Vacancies
One of the most pressing issues addressed was the policy of re-engaging retired employees rather than filling existing vacancies. Presently, there are 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh posts lying vacant in the railways by the admission of the minister of railways itself. Com Venu Nair criticised this “hire-back” policy, pointing out that 20% of positions in critical departments remain unfilled, placing a disproportionate burden on current employees. “Overworked employees are expected to shoulder the increased workload of a growing railway network with no proportional increase in workforce,” he stated. This practice directly compromises safety standards, affects productivity, and leaves existing workers with excessive workloads, especially in Safety categories of Operating, Engineering and Signal & Telecom departments
Addressing Rising Accidents and Railway Safety Concerns
The GS further highlighted the troubling rise in railway accidents, noting that not a single day passes without reports of derailments or other mishaps. He emphasised that these incidents are not the fault of dedicated railway workers. “Railway employees do not commit mistakes purposefully; they are pressured into situations due to understaffing and lack of resources,” he said. NRMU calls for a thorough investigation into the root causes of these accidents, urging railway management to prioritise safety, hire more staff and address the structural problems that lead to such incidents. There is a huge dearth of staff on posts like S&T Technician, Loco Pilot, Station Manager, Train Manager, Pointsman, Trackman and Technicians maintaining OHE Traction etc.
Rejecting the National Monetisation Pipeline: Defending Public Infrastructure and Worker Rights
The press meet also addressed the detrimental impact of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), which seeks to monetise critical railway infrastructure. NRMU’s “One Industry, One Union” vision is grounded in the belief that railway infrastructure should remain a public asset, not a tool for private profit. Com Venu Nair condemned the NMP as a threat to the public sector and a calculated attack on worker rights and union strength. “The NMP is not about efficiency—it’s about prioritising profit over people, weakening unions that safeguard workers’ welfare,” he stated. “The NMP seeks to strip away public accountability and destabilise the very foundations of our railway system, which serves the people of India.”
Rallying Cry for Unity and Action in SBE 2024
Comrade Venu Nair concluded his address with a rallying cry for workers across all departments and divisions to embrace NRMU’s mission of “One Industry, One Union” by participating in the SBE 2024 election. “This election is a historic opportunity to create a truly unified force,” he declared. “Together, we will make it clear that our rights, safety, and dignity are non-negotiable. NRMU remains unwavering in its commitment to a fair, unified, and strong workforce that represents all railway employees and serves the nation with integrity.”
President, NRMU, Com Kamakshi Bagalwadikar; Assistant GS, NRMU, Com Vivek Nair; GS, Railway Theka Mazdoor Union (RTMU), Com RK Malbari and Zonal Secretary, All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), Com PJ Shinde were also present during the press meet.
