Delhi Metro staff threaten 'total shutdown' if demands not met
Non-executive staff of the Delhi Metro has launched a sit-in protest at stations to demand salary parity, revoking of action taken against employees for leading the campaign, and more. Employees allege that even after reassurances, nothing has been done to address their concerns. Metro services haven't been disrupted till now, but protesters have warned of a "total shutdown" on Monday if nothing is done.
Staff are sitting on metro station platforms with black bands
Employees are sitting on platforms wearing black bands at several stations including at Dwarka, Badarpur, Qutub Minar, Yamuna Bank, Shahdara and Vishwa Vidyalaya. All 9,000 non-executive personnel, including train operators and station crew, have reportedly extended support.
What is the protest about?
Staff Council secretary Anil Kumar Mahato says assurances about increasing pay scale came in May'15, but they are still continuing under Schedule C. They have demanded their allowances be similar to Schedule A officers. They have also demanded a union; the staff council reportedly has no power. Earlier, the administration had reassured them, but instead they filed chargesheets and terminated employees, Mahato said.
DMRC alleges 'personal agenda' to disrupt operations
Meanwhile, the DMRC said the agitation was an attempt by employees to 'push their personal agenda to cause disruption', and urged staff to 'stay away from the path of agitation'. It added it is trying to resolve all issues.
