Railway union demands permanent staff replace contract workers in safety roles

The South Central Railway Employees' Sangh has intensified its push to end the deployment of contract staff in safety-sensitive roles across Indian Railways, citing operational and security concerns. The union has formally placed its demands before the Eighth Central Pay Commission, emphasizing the need for a permanent workforce in positions critical to passenger and operational safety.

The organisation contends that contract-based employment in safety-critical functions creates vulnerabilities in railway operations and compromises service standards. These positions, the union argues, require the stability, accountability, and rigorous training protocols associated with permanent employment.

The move reflects broader industry concerns about workforce management in India's railway sector, where contract workers have become increasingly prevalent across various operational functions. The union's submission to the pay commission represents a formal attempt to influence policy decisions on railway staffing patterns and employment structures.

The South Central Railway operates across multiple states in south India and employs thousands of workers. The commission's recommendations on workforce composition and employment terms could shape staffing policies across Indian Railways more broadly, making the union's intervention significant for the sector's future direction.