Chennai Metro Rail workers withdraw strike - passenger services resumed
Posted on: 02/May/2019 12:25:29 PM
With the Chennai Metro Rail workers withdrawing their strike, the normal passenger services resumed.
Generally, the employees are appointed at the Chennai Metro Rail after a written test and an interview. These employees follow the Employment Rules and Regulations. I this situation, the Metro Rail administration dismissed 8 employees citing indiscipline. These 8 employees were asked to give an explanation. Subsequently, they appeared before the enquiry officer and gave an explanation of their action. As this was not satisfactory, they were dismissed from their jobs.
Meanwhile, a section of the Metro Rail employees indulged in a sudden strike on Monday (29th April) evening demanding that the dismissed employees to be taken back in service. Many other employees also supported this strike. So, the passenger services were affected in several stations including Central and Egmore for 5 to 15 minutes. Subsequently, the frequency of trains was reduced.
The permanent employees of the Chennai Metro Rail have complained that the administration has put several hardships of them. Whereas the contract employees are given increments and other benefits like grade promotion, the permanent employees are being paid lesser salaries.
In this scenario, a 2nd Phase of discussion took place between the Assistant Commissioner of Labour Welfare, the Metro Rail Administration, and the Metro Rail employees in Chennai Kuralagam building complex.
The discussion started at 4.00 PM on Wednesday (Yesterday, 1st May) and was held until 8.30 PM. An agreement was reached. With the advice and instructions of the Assistant Commissioner of the Labour Welfare Department, it was announced on the employees’ behalf that the strike is being withdrawn.
Subsequently, with all the employees returning to report for work today (Thursday, 2nd May), the Metro Rail passenger services resumed as normal.
