RailEnquiry

The Southern Railway is gearing up for secret ballot elections for recognition of trade unions and federations scheduled between April 25 and 27.Eight trade unions and federations are in the fray, of which the Dakshin Railway Employees Union (DREU) affiliated to CITU, Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) affiliated to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation and Southern Railway Employees Sangh (SRES) affiliated to the INTUC are the major players.An estimated 86,000 employees belonging to Group C and D categories in the Southern Railway are eligible to vote in the elections, held once in six years.According to sources, trade unions or federations, which secure 30 per cent of the votes, would be recognised by the railway administration to officially hold talks with the authorities on issues related to the workers.Though three unions can secure 30 per cent votes, only two unions had, in the past, garnered more than the required percentage of votes, sources claimed.In the event of none of the trade unions or federations securing the stipulated percentage of votes, only one trade union with the highest number of votes, upon crossing the 20 per cent margin, would be recognised, the sources added.With elections around the corner, trade union and federation representatives are carrying out a high-voltage campaigns among employees to get their support.“If elected, we will ensure eight-hour working day for all category of employees,” claimed Elangovan, working president of DREU.Apparently, SRMU has assured to earmark at least 20 per cent quota for wards of all railwaymen retiring by March 31, 2014, in recruitments. On the other hand, SRES is banking on its claims for being instrumental in implementing the Sixth Pay Commission for railway employees, said Velayudam, working general secretary of SRES. It may be recalled that during the previous elections held in 2007, the DREU and SRMU emerged victorious.